Pediatric Dentist Discusses Cavity Prevention, Dental Timelines, And More - - Archived

At what age should my child start seeing the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that the child’s first dental visit should occur when their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. A child’s oral health needs change quickly. We follow them closely, so they are set up for a successful childhood. Our Well Baby program focuses on infants. As soon as their first tooth appears, parents should make an appointment for us to examine what’s happening in their child’s mouth. Simultaneously, we educate the parents about how to take care of baby teeth, so they stay healthy.

What happens during my child’s first visit? 

We check that things are developing the way they should, and we show parents how to properly clean, brush, and floss their child’s teeth. We give parents an opportunity to ask questions since, many times, this experience may be new to them. The child and the parents get the chance to become acquainted with the office and staff. We can also accommodate special needs patients. We recommend that parents of special needs children call us in advance to explain their child’s needs so we can best accommodate them. We also work with children with lip or tongue ties, and infants who are having difficulty feeding, nursing, or latching. For them, we perform surgical corrections to improve their condition.

What if my child sucks their thumb or a pacifier?

Both thumb and pacifier sucking are common in infants and toddlers. Most will gradually lose interest as they get older. The AAPD recommends that you wean your child off the thumb or pacifier by age three. If it persists longer than that, then it can lead to some long-term problems like tooth misalignment, problems with speech development, and social/emotional development. There are many ways to try and wean a child off the thumb or pacifier, including talking to them about it, reading stories to them, limiting their access, or using positive reinforcement. It’s best to experiment to figure out what will work for them. For questions and concerns, visit our office.

How can I help my child avoid cavities?

The big thing is to make sure you take your child to the dentist regularly starting when the first tooth comes in. Educating parents is key to ensuring good oral health for children. We will gather some information at that initial appointment to customize a specific program for brushing, flossing, or other treatments. Combining home treatments with regular dental visits and a balanced diet, your child can enjoy a lifetime of healthy habits.

What’s the difference between a pediatric dentist and a regular dentist?

Just like with pediatricians in medicine you also have pediatric dentists in dentistry. A pediatric dentist has at least two or three years of specialty training following dental school and focus solely on children. A pediatric dentist provides comprehensive oral care for infants all the way through adolescence.