Learn About Visiting The Dentist
At what age should my child visit the dentist?
Learn About Baby Teeth
What is the best way to clean baby teeth?
How do I develop good brushing habits?
How much toothpaste should my child use?
Do I need to worry about cavities in baby teeth?
Learn About Permanent Teeth
My child plays sports - do they need a mouthguard?
Your Questions Answered!
What Age Should My Child Visit the Dentist?
South Hill Children's Dentistry follows the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines for a First Visit By Age 1. Visiting the dentist at an early age sets a positive foundation for a lifetime of dental visits, and helps you understand how to care for baby teeth and what to expect as your baby grows. These first visits not only help your child acclimate to a new environment and feel safe and comfortable, but they build a relationship between your family and your pediatric dentist. When a dental emergency occurs, you and your child will know whom to call and have the security of knowing your doctor.
Early visits to the dentist can also help you identify any problem areas, pathologies, or future issues that you may not be aware of, and set the course for your child's healthy development.
What Is A Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist is a general dentist that has completed additional years of education and training, and has also completed a pediatric-focused residency in a hospital setting. A Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, or Diplomate, is a dentist that demonstrates an exceptional knowledge and expertise at a standard not possessed by other dentists. During the certification process a written examination followed by an oral examination with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry is completed that determines the proficiency of pediatric dentists. Only about 47% of practicing pediatric dentists are board certified.
Why Are Baby Teeth Important?
Your child's baby (primary) teeth help them develop physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Physically, your child's teeth help them chew, and provide placeholders as their permanent teeth grow and develop. If their primary teeth need to be extracted (pulled) before they are ready, it could indicate problems as they grow and when their permanent teeth are ready to erupt (come in to the mouth).
Your child's teeth also assist their mental development. As children learn to form sounds, speak, and communicate, their tongue, lips, cheeks, and teeth are all part of sounding words correctly and learning to express their thoughts. Well-functioning teeth also help a child's concentration; if they are in pain from a diseased tooth, research shows they perform poorly in school and can also develop other negative behaviors as a result of their discomfort.
We all appreciate a beautiful smile, and children are no different. Emotionally, children can struggle if they have noticeable disease and decayed teeth. Children are less likely to fully smile, and they can develop habits that follow them for a lifetime.
What is the best way to clean baby teeth?
When teeth are first breaking through the skin (erupting), a soft, damp washcloth should be wiped along the gums and teeth. This is especially important if you are nursing; each time you nurse your baby, you should clean their gums and teeth.
When teeth start to become fully erupted, switch to using a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can start using a very small smear of flouride-free toothpaste on the brush, or none at all. When children are old enough to spit out toothpaste, we recommend switching to a flouridated toothpaste. Toothpastes that contain xylitol are also highly recommended, as xylitol is a naturally-occurring sweetener that has been found to inhibit decay-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Remember that children need assistance with proper brushing techniques until they are able to accomplish fine motor skills, such as writing in cursive (age 7 or 8).
How Do I Develop Good Brushing Habits?
It's important to set a good foundation early on (as with any habit). Start by brushing your baby's teeth twice a day (and wiping their teeth after each time you nurse), and sing fun songs while you brush. Your child may struggle and not enjoy brushing, but it is important that you firmly and gently establish this important habit early.
When children are older, use a brushing chart with stickers that they receive each time they brush. Flossing should start when teeth start touching, generally about age 6 or 7, or depending on how closely spaced your child's teeth grow.
Do I need to worry about cavities in baby teeth?
Are Cavities in Kids' Teeth Inevitable?
Many people think so, but we are seeing more and more of our younger patients growing up without them.
Why is that? Well, there are a number of factors. Some may be beyond a parent's control, and others involve lifestyle choices and habits that can be changed through increased awareness and education.
If your child has already had a cavity, chances are that more will occur. That's because there are probably conditions that allow them to develop. But if you are vigilant, you might be able to avoid a cavity. For instance, a white spot along the gum line can be an indicator that a cavity is forming. We can often help avoid further decay in such cases — through a combined therapy such as fluoride, mouth rinses and changes in eating habits — if we see the patient soon enough.
Another sign is plaque. If you can scrape a fingernail along your child's front teeth and remove a sticky whitish substance (plaque), your child is at greater risk of forming cavities. We recommend brushing at least twice a day so plaque can't form. Toothpaste with fluoride helps preserve essential minerals found in teeth. Be careful, though, not to put too much toothpaste on the brush and be sure your child spits it all out.
An effective preventive habit is regular dental checkups. We can assess your child's risks and help anticipate oral issues. Some children have special health care needs that we can address with special equipment and/or techniques. Others routinely take medications that make them more prone to cavities.
Regular checkups for infants and toddlers allow us to talk about appropriate diet management. Talking directly with older children gives us the chance to find out about their dental behavior and offer suggestions and advice.
My child plays sports - do they need a mouthguard?
Mouthguards can help cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your child's lips, tongue, face or jaw.
When it comes to protecting your child's mouth, a mouthguard is an important piece of dental equipment, particularly from an early age when the jaw and teeth are still developing. While collision and contact sports, such as boxing, are higher-risk sports for the mouth, you can experience a dental injury in non-contact activities too, such as gymnastics and skating.