A pediatric dentist is a dentist who has received advanced specialty training in meeting the dental needs of children from infancy to adolescence. Pediatric dentists, during the course of their post graduate training extensively study child development and psychology, behavior management, caring for children with special needs, methods of handling oral/facial trauma, anesthesia and sedation methods, as well as develop a comprehensive understanding of facial growth and dental development. In addition to all of this, pediatric dentists acquire the hands-on clinical skills to successfully treat the dental needs of every child at every stage of development. Pediatric dentists truly enjoy working with children and strive to make each of their dental care experiences a positive one.
Even before your child is born, their first set of teeth is already forming. In fact, before they are a year old their new teeth will start to appear in their mouth. This is why maintaining their oral health becomes such an important consideration at such an early point in their lives. According to the American Dental Association parents are advised to have their baby see the dentist around the time of their first birthday.
Your baby’s first teeth will start to appear in the 6 to 12 month range. While this is an extraordinary milestone, you need to be aware that your baby may find the experience a little bit uncomfortable. Teething can make them feel irritable. They may be fussy, have trouble sleeping, not want to eat, and be drooling quite a bit. While you are powerless to speed up the process of teething, there are a few things that you can do to soothe your baby as their new teeth are erupting into place. Common approaches to helping your baby feel more comfortable while getting their new teeth include teething rings or a cold spoon or moist gauze rubbed over their gums. Even for these few new teeth, it is important to establish an oral healthcare regimen for your baby. For information on when your baby’s first set of teeth will erupt into place, consult this time line from the American Dental Association.
Some children persist in sucking their thumbs or fingers beyond their preschool years. For these children the activity continues to be a source of comfort, relaxation, and security. It may even help them fall asleep at night. However, it is important as parents to be aware that if your child’s thumb or finger sucking habit is still present when their permanent teeth come in, there is a greater chance of developing a bad bite. This means that if the activity has not ceased by the age of five or six years, you need to constructively and gently help your child stop the habit. It is also a good idea to have a comprehensive evaluation at this time. Your pediatric dentist can assess if there are any habit related alterations to the alignment of your child’s teeth or jaws, or if it is affecting their speech or swallowing patterns. They can also discuss habit control strategies with you, as well as follow your child’s bite and facial development as they grow. If there are recommendations that interceptive appliances or corrective orthodontic care is required, the pediatric dentist will discuss these with you.
For babies with new teeth just emerging, we may recommend using a soft washcloth or an infant toothbrush to gently clean the teeth and gums. As your baby grows and more teeth come in, an age-appropriate soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny dab of toothpaste will be recommended. Be careful that your child does not swallow the toothpaste. As your child gets older, we will help teach them more about self-care and proper oral hygiene.
Teething is an important developmental milestone, but it can make babies irritable, disrupt sleep, and cause drooling or fussiness. While teething cannot be sped up, you can help soothe your baby by using safe teething rings, a cold spoon, or gently rubbing a moist gauze over the gums. If you have any concerns during the teething process, you can always call our office.
Baby teeth allow your child to smile, eat, and speak properly, but they also serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth. Losing a baby tooth too early can cause neighboring teeth to shift, which may result in misalignment when adult teeth erupt.
Yes, baby teeth are just as susceptible to decay as permanent teeth. In fact, more than half of children develop cavities before the age of five. Untreated cavities can affect your child’s comfort, overall health, and the development of the permanent teeth.
Baby bottle syndrome, also known as nursing bottle syndrome, refers to severe tooth decay caused by babies falling asleep with bottles containing milk or juice. The front upper teeth are most commonly affected, and extensive dental treatment may be required. Parents are advised not to let babies sleep with a bottle, or to replace milk or juice with water.
Thumb or finger sucking can be comforting for young children, but if the habit continues beyond age five or six, it may affect tooth alignment, jaw development, speech, or swallowing. If changes occur or the habit persists, orthodontic care may be needed to correct any resulting issues.
The American Dental Association recommends that children have routine dental checkups and preventive care every six months. During these visits, the dentist examines the teeth, gums, and jaws, performs a cleaning, provides oral hygiene guidance, and addresses any developing issues early.
Our office is committed to providing gentle, compassionate care in a child-friendly environment. If your child experiences anxiety, has special needs, or has difficulty sitting for treatment, we can discuss personalized care options, including appropriate dental sedation when needed.
Back-to-school dental checkups help ensure your child starts the academic year healthy and confident. Keeping your child’s smile in good shape can help prevent dental issues that may interfere with school, activities, and overall well-being.
Cavities form when plaque is not consistently removed from the teeth and gums. Children are especially prone to cavities due to developing oral hygiene habits and dietary choices. To help protect against decay, we often recommend fluoride treatments and dental sealants.
If a child loses a baby tooth early due to decay or injury, a space maintainer may be used to hold the space open for the permanent tooth. This small dental appliance helps prevent neighboring teeth from shifting and blocking the path of the adult tooth.
Orthodontic evaluation often begins in early elementary school. Many alignment and jaw growth issues can be identified by first or second grade, even before all permanent teeth are present. Early monitoring allows for timely intervention if needed.
A properly fitted sports mouthguard is one of the best ways to protect a child’s smile during athletic activities. Mouthguards reduce the risk of injury to the teeth, lips, tongue, and jaws. We can recommend the best type based on your child’s sport.
Dental sealants are thin, clear coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent molars and premolars. They help block bacteria and acids from settling into grooves and pits, significantly reducing the risk of cavities.
Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to develop and often lack sufficient space to erupt properly. During regular checkups, we monitor their development and position. If wisdom teeth are impacted or causing problems, we will recommend extraction when appropriate.
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