Children's Dentistry

Your dentist will recommend how often your child should visit, normally twice a year. This allows the dentist to catch any potential problems early to prevent the problems from getting worse. Children who are at increased risk of tooth decay, have unusual growth patterns, or who have poor oral hygiene may need more frequent visits

X-rays are generally not taken until your child is old enough to understand how to cooperate for this procedure. X-rays show decay between teeth and also show if adult teeth are coming in properly. Under some circumstances, like an accident involving the mouth, dental X-rays may be done on children as young as a year old. The X-rays are safe for your child. Dentists are careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed

Baby teeth are important!  Baby teeth begin to appear around six months and can remain until a child is 13 or 14. Baby teeth help children eat well during the time of the most growth, help a child speak clearly, and allow adult teeth to grow in properly.  Even though they will eventually be replaced by the permanent adult teeth, baby teeth are very important and should be well looked after, checked or fixed if there is a problem.

Clean your baby’s gums and teeth twice a day. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice, and a soft facecloth or infant toothbrush. Be gentle – try distracting your baby with songs, talking or praise. It’s best not put your baby to bed with a bottle of anything but water. Milk, juice and formula can cause serious tooth decay when left in a sleeping baby’s mouth.

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a common and severe form of cavities found in very young children (0-5 years of age). Without treatment, decay can spread deeper into the tooth, causing pain and infection and even damage to the underlying adult tooth. The baby tooth or teeth may need to be removed. Unfortunately, because of their young age, children may require treatment under sedation or general anesthesia at a hospital.

If a baby tooth is missing too early other teeth may move into its space and block the way for the permanent tooth to grow in.

Contributing factors to early childhood decay:

• Diets high in sugar
• A high frequency of snacking and/or frequent meals as well as sticky and sugary snacks.
•  Sustained use of the baby bottle or sippy cup (especially at bed time)
• Lack of tooth brushing and flossing
• Limited access to fluoridated water

• Keep your child's teeth clean. This is the easiest way to keep teeth healthy.
• Limit sugar filled foods and drinks (particularly for babies). Milk, juice and formula all contain sugar. Avoid using the bottle and sippy cup to sooth your child. Fill them with water instead.
• Visit the dentist by age one or within six months of when you see the first tooth. Through regular examinations your dentist will monitor the development of your child’s teeth and gums to catch problems early and prevent disease