Pediatric Dentistry

What are the common issues of dental health in children?

Many of a kid’s dental problems are the same ones affecting adults, but as children’s teeth are still developing, untreated dental conditions can cause poor and misaligned tooth development, leading to a more serious problem as a child grows up.

Some of the most common issues with children are:

• Tooth decay
• Bad breath
• Sensitive teeth
• Thumb-sucking
• Gum disease
• Teeth grinding
• Canker sores
• Baby teeth-loss
• Over-retained primary teeth
• Dental Anxiety

How should I care for my baby's teeth?

Care for baby teeth should begin as soon as the first tooth appears. We recommend that you bring your child in for an exam no later than his or her first birthday. And regular six-month checkups from then on will put kids on a similar schedule to most adults. We can monitor your child for dental problems while customizing preventive coaching to fit specific conditions.

As a parent, some early steps can help guard your child against tooth decay, even before the first dental visit:

• Your baby’s teeth should always be flushed with water or wiped down with a damp cloth after feeding, especially before they fall asleep. Milk or formula residue left in the mouth can promote decay even in the youngest patients. Untreated cavities can eventually lead to pain and infection.
• Try to wean your child off breastfeeding or bottled milk by age one year. This effort helps avoid decay and minimizes the chance of jaw growth problems from excessive sucking.
• Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. Even a small piece of tooth showing can develop a cavity. Start by brushing with a soft-bristled brush and water, and ask your dentist when it’s ok to begin using a small amount of toothpaste.
• Once your child is old enough to begin brushing on his or her own, continue to monitor their brushing, going back to clean any areas they may have missed.
• Don’t give bottles of sugary drinks or milk before bedtime.
• Use a straw with sugary beverages to allow the teeth to have less contact with the liquid.
• Try to limit the overall sugary foods your child eats and drinks.

What is pulp therapy?

If your child starts to complain about sensitivity or constant pain, or if the tissue around a tooth is swollen and painful, they may have pulp damage. Damage to the interior living part of the tooth can occur because of trauma, decay, or other infection. The ‘pulp’ refers to the live part of the tooth.

If the pulp is damaged, it is important to retain as much of the living pulp as possible, while also treating the infection or removing any damaged sections. One way we do this is with a pulpotomy.

A pulpotomy can be performed if the pulp root is unaffected, and just the tip of the pulp is damaged. If the root is healthy we will remove all the decay and then place material over the remaining pulp to protect it. Finally, we will place a crown. By saving the pulp, your child has a greater chance of producing a healthy adult tooth.

A pulpectomy is performed if the damage has extended into the tooth root, we will need to remove all of the living material and fill the space — just like an adult root canal. We will place a crown to help with spacing when the adult tooth is ready to come in.

Is thumb sucking harmful?

Thumb sucking is a natural reflex for children. It usually isn’t a concern unless it continues as the permanent teeth come in, which could cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment. In such cases, consult with our dentists.

What is fluoride, and is it safe for my child?

Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also has the ability to reverse early decay. Fluoride is considered safe and beneficial for children, but it should be used in appropriate amounts. We can advise you on your child’s fluoride needs.