PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY SERVICES

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that pediatric dental care begin as soon as teeth start to emerge to help to ensure that a child has a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. The AAPD also states that parents should take their children for a dental exam by the age of one, so if there are any problems they can be caught early. You should schedule the first appointment with a dentist and then take them for regular six-month check-ups after that.

In the past, many parents did not pay much attention to their children’s dental health. They didn’t understand that tooth decay and other problems could have a serious impact on a child’s overall health and well-being. Some common dental problems in children include tooth decay and cavities, teething, thumb-sucking, pacifiers, gum disease, bad breath and canker sores.

Dental sealants are a thin, plastic film that is painted on the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. Sealants act as a barrier, protecting the tooth from plaque and bacteria. A sealed tooth is far less likely to develop a cavity, require more expensive dental treatment later on, or, most importantly, cause your child pain. Studies show that children without sealants are three times more likely to have cavities than those with dental sealants.

Your child’s dentist is often the first to see things in your child’s mouth that may be contributing to their sleep problems. Dentists play a key role in early intervention by understanding how the structures of the jaw and mouth can also lead to sleep-disordered breathing in children. By evaluating the the child’s upper airway and breathing patterns, they can determine your child’s risk and make a referral for proper diagnosis if necessary.

As such, many children are fearful about going to see the dentist. Sedation dentistry may help alleviate some fears in children and help make going to the dentist a more positive experience. Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It is also sometimes called sleep dentistry, although most patients are not actually asleep during the procedure.

Space maintainers, commonly called spacers, are devices that are custom-made to fill the gap in a person’s teeth. They are most commonly used for children who have lost baby teeth prematurely, due to accidents or decay. They are custom-fit to each patient. Made of metal and/or plastic, space maintainers can be fixed (cemented) or removable, but either way, their purpose is the same: to help your child develop the best bite possible and hopefully avoid the need for braces later on.

Mouthguards are dental devices that typically cover the upper teeth to protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining. A mouthguard protects your teeth, tongue, gums and cheeks from trauma caused by teeth grinding or sports injuries. Mouthguards are an important part of a child’s dental care. Not only do they protect teeth from injury, but they can also help prevent concussions. In fact, mouthguards are so important that many schools now require them for all athletes.

Fluoride is essential for proper tooth development and the prevention of tooth decay which is why much of the US public water supply is fluoridated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called fluoridated water one of the most significant health achievements of the 20th century. Dentists also recommend children use fluoride toothpaste. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to fluoridated water so sometimes we recommend a fluoride supplement for your child.

If your child has any type of dental emergency, it is important to seek professional help right away. Waiting too long can cause further damage and make the problem worse. Dental emergencies in children can be scary. They may involve a lot of blood and pain. All these things can make it hard for your child to focus on what you are saying or doing. But there are some steps you can take to help them feel better and get through the emergency. The first step is to stay calm. Then, give us a call.