PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

---

What to expect at your child’s dental visit?

• Thorough review and discussion of your child's medical history, dental history, dietary habits, oral habits such as pacifier/thumb/finger.
• Review with you and your child techniques for teeth brushing, flossing, and fluoride use. Gentle examination of your child's teeth, gums, tongue, lips, cheek, and teeth alignment.
• Assess your child's risk factors for dental problems such as cavities, and gum disease. Your child’s teeth may be professionally cleaned and fluoride may be applied. Dental x rays:  are usually taken starting around age 4 years.

When should I take my child to a dentist?

Your child’s first dental visit should be when the first tooth appears in the child’s mouth and no later than his/her first birthday.

Are Baby teeth important?

Primary or baby teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew but they also aid in forming a path for the permanent teeth that are behind them in the jaw bone to erupt in the right position.

Are dental x-rays safe for my child?

We do not take dental x-rays until the age of 4 if we do not see obvious clinical decay in the mouth. There is very little risk with dental x-rays as we use digital x-ray in our office. We make sure that your child is properly shielded with a lead apron prior to taking x-rays

What are dental Sealants?

Sealants are dental resin material that are placed on the child’s permanent molars and premolars as soon as the tooth completely erupts in the mouth. It is meant to seal the deep groves on the newly erupted tooth so that food does not get stuck in those teeth putting it at risk to dental decay.

Is fluoride treatment necessary for my child?

Yes, topical fluoride application during your child’s routine dental visits helps strengthen your child’s tooth and makes it less susceptible to dental decay

What is a stainless-steel crown?

A stainless-steel crown is a temporary restoration placed on primary tooth. It is placed to save the primary tooth until the permanent tooth can erupt and take its space. Keeping the primary tooth if at all possible is very important. A crowned tooth must be brushed and flossed just like other teeth.

What is a space maintainer?

A space maintainer is placed in your child mouth in the event the child loses his / her baby tooth prematurely due to dental decay. The space maintainer helps in keeping the space for the permanent tooth to erupt in its place.