Dr. Josh’s Top 10 Tips About Pediatric Dentistry
1. Children begin getting baby teeth anywhere from four to twelve months. Being a few months early or late is perfectly normal.
2. Baby teeth are the building blocks for strong and healthy adult teeth. Neglecting cavities in baby teeth may result in their early loss, which may cause future crowding or damage to the adult teeth and possibly even growth irregularities of the jaw.
3. Fluoride in our drinking water can reduce the development of cavities. However, well water and bottled water may not contain levels of fluoride adequate to prevent tooth decay.
4. X-rays may detect cavities between teeth even in children without other visible cavities.
5. Thumb-sucking or prolonged use of the pacifier past age four can cause extensive jaw problems. Stopping these habits by age two is recommended.
6. Regular six–month checkups, a fluoridated water source, good nutrition, and proper home care can reduce cavities tremendously. Sealants can also greatly reduce the chance of getting cavities. Sealants are a paint-like covering placed on the chewing surface of permanent molars.
7. FREQUENCY of exposure to sugar throughout the day is more problematic for cavity development than the AMOUNT of sugar ingested at one sitting. So, constant use of baby bottles/sippy cups by infants and toddlers or regular consumption of sodas/energy drinks by children and teens can create a continuous exposure to sugar and result in rampant cavity development.
8. Cavities must have sugar to form. Remember that milk and fruit juices have lots of sugar, so water is the best drink between meals.
9. Trauma to baby or adult teeth can be greatly reduced by using a mouthguard. If trauma occurs, it is critical to make quick contact with a pediatric dentist for treatment. A knocked-out tooth can best be saved by transporting it in milk and calling us ASAP!
10. Office visits at an early age are fun, relaxed, and promote a positive feeling about dental care. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Brink & White recommend a first office visit by age one to create a positive dental home for your child.