What is a Pediatric Dentist?
A Pediatric Dentist is a specialist dedicated to the oral health of children and the monitoring of their facial growth and developments. Our office is designed for treating children from infancy through adolescence, as well as medically and physically compromised children.

At what age should I take my child to see a Pediatric Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first visit to the dentist should occur by 12 months of age. This first visit will enable the Dentist to evaluate your child and introduce you to proper oral hygiene. Diet, fluoride, finger and pacifier habits and tooth eruption will be discussed to insure optimal oral health.

What guidelines will help children remain cavity free?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises:

• Brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day.

• Floss children’s teeth once a day.

• Visit your pediatric or general dentist regularly.

• Get enough fluoride through drinking water, fluoride products and, when indicated, through fluoride supplements.

• Have sealants applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent back teeth or molars soon after they come in.

• Snack moderately-no more than twice a day.

How important is a child’s diet in the prevention of cavities?
Though a balanced diet is certainly important in preventing cavities, experts agree that cavities are not only the result of what children eat, but also, how often they eat. Frequent snacking without brushing leaves food on the teeth longer and fosters tooth decay.

What are dental sealants and who benefits from them?
The chewing surface of children’s teeth is the most susceptible to cavities and the least benefited from fluorides. Sealants are adhesive coatings that are applied to the tops of teeth and can be highly effective in preventing tooth decay. Studies show that 4 out of 5 cavities in children under age 15 develop on the biting surface of back molars. Molars commonly decay because plaque accumulates in the tiny grooves of the chewing surfaces. Sealants prevent the cavities that fluoride cannot effectively reach. As a preventive mechanism, sealants are an important part of a cavity-free generation.

Why are baby teeth so important? Don’t they fall out?
Primary teeth have been labeled “baby teeth”. However, the first tooth usually isn’t lost until 6 years of age and some primary molars must function until 12 or 13 years of age before they are replaced. Primary teeth are necessary for proper chewing, proper speech, and the proper development of the jaws and for esthetics. Care of the primary teeth is important not only for proper function, but also to avoid a number of unpleasant conditions that result from their neglect.

Do you allow parents to come back with their children?
As the parent you are welcome to accompany our child in the treatment area during the initial exam. However, to better establish a trust with your child, we like to bring the children back by themselves. Expect your child to do well and enjoy their visit to our office and chances are they will do just that!