Unfortunately children don’t come with a manual. As parents we try to make the best decisions for their care but we don’t always know what the right answers are. To help you with the care of your children’s teeth we have assembled the most commonly asked questions and, most importantly, the answers you’ve been looking for.
WHY SHOULD I USE A PEDIATRIC DENTIST?
Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.
WHEN SHOULD YOUR CHILD FIRST BE SEEN BY A DENTIST?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children first be seen by a dentist within 6 months of when their baby teeth start to come in. This gives the dentist the ability to check for any issues with the child’s teeth that may have developed through nursing or bottle feeding. Early dental visits are also a great opportunity to get a child familiar with the dental office. To encourage this, Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph offers complimentary exams for children under the age of 2.
WHAT IS FLUORIDE AND IS IT SAFE?
Fluoride is an important mineral for all children. Bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars and produce acid that can harm tooth enamel and damage teeth. Fluoride protects teeth from acid damage and helps reverse early signs of decay. Most municipalities in the state of New Jersey do not have fluoride added to their water. This makes it extra important to give fluoride supplements to infants and children as it acts to strengthen developing teeth that are forming below the gum line.
Unfortunately children don’t come with a manual. As parents we try to make the best decisions for their care but we don’t always know what the right answers are. To help you with the care of your children’s teeth we have assembled the most commonly asked questions and, most importantly, the answers you’ve been looking for.
WHY SHOULD I USE A PEDIATRIC DENTIST?
Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.
WHEN SHOULD YOUR CHILD FIRST BE SEEN BY A DENTIST?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children first be seen by a dentist within 6 months of when their baby teeth start to come in. This gives the dentist the ability to check for any issues with the child’s teeth that may have developed through nursing or bottle feeding. Early dental visits are also a great opportunity to get a child familiar with the dental office. To encourage this, Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph offers complimentary exams for children under the age of 2.
WHAT IS FLUORIDE AND IS IT SAFE?
Fluoride is an important mineral for all children. Bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars and produce acid that can harm tooth enamel and damage teeth. Fluoride protects teeth from acid damage and helps reverse early signs of decay. Most municipalities in the state of New Jersey do not have fluoride added to their water. This makes it extra important to give fluoride supplements to infants and children as it acts to strengthen developing teeth that are forming below the gum line.
AT WHAT AGE SHOULD MY CHILD BE BRUSHING THEIR OWN TEETH?
As a general rule, dentists suggest you brush and floss your child’s teeth for them until they are coordinated enough to tie their own shoes, usually around age 6. Even at that point you should still remain involved to be sure they are brushing properly.
HOW MUCH TOOTHPASTE SHOULD THEY USE?
While using a fluoride toothpaste is important, most young children are not able to spit out the toothpaste. For this reason the ADA recommends using a “smear” of toothpaste on children once the first tooth appears and until your child is 3. Once your child has turned 3, a pea-sized amount can be used.
IS ALL TOOTHPASTE SAFE FOR CHILDREN?
Parents should always use a toothpaste formulated specifically for children as adult toothpastes are too abrasive for a child’s softer baby teeth.
WHAT ARE SEALANTS AND ARE THEY NECESSARY?
Sealants area thin, protective coating that adheres to the chewing surface of your back teeth. They keep cavities from forming and may even stop early stages of decay from becoming a full-blown cavity. In fact, sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. Sealants take just a few minutes to apply. It is a painless procedure that is usually done when the 6 year molars are fully in.
The doctors and staff at Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph are uniquely qualified, and willing to provide guidance on all your oral care questions. With day-time office hours Monday-Friday and additional evening and Saturday hours they are available when you need them.
Source: Tapinto
