Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a family dentist and a pediatric dentist?
Your child sees a pediatrician, a doctor that specializes in children, and should see a pediatric dentist as well. A pediatric dentist has two to three years of additional school and training following dental school to specialize in treating children from infancy to adolescence.
When should my child see a pediatric dentist for the first time?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should see a dentist within six months of their first tooth appearing. Their first visit should be no later than their first birthday. Seeing the dentist early in life allows the dentist to monitor the growth and development of teeth over time and to catch any problems early while they are small and easy to treat. It is also important to build an early positive relationship between the child, parent, and dentist that will last to adulthood.
How often should my child see a pediatric dentist?
The frequency of dental checkups depends on the individual child’s oral health. However, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have a routine dental checkup with a pediatric dentist every six months to prevent and treat cavities and other dental problems.
Are baby teeth important to my child’s oral health?
Primary or baby teeth may not last your child’s entire life, but they are vital for long term oral health. The placement of primary teeth acts as guides for permanent teeth. If the primary teeth are missing, there may not be space for permanent teeth to grow correctly. Healthy primary teeth also assist with children learning to speak clearly and chew naturally.
Are pacifiers and thumb sucking harmful for my child’s teeth?
Thumb sucking or use of pacifiers is common for infants and toddlers. While most children stop on their own, there is a reason to be concerned if it continues for a long period. Pacifiers or thumb sucking past the age of three may cause concern by changing the shape of the mouth and position of teeth. These changes may affect the healthy placement of permanent teeth in the future. Discuss concerns and solutions for long-term thumb sucking and pacifiers with your pediatric dentist.
Helping Kids to Brush Their Teeth
Many parents will agree that teaching kids good dental hygiene is, for the most part, a daily battle. It’s never easy to convince toddlers to do things, especially the healthy stuff. While you may struggle with this, having them brush their teeth twice a day is a critical part of habit formation that will significantly contribute to their lifelong oral health.
Make it a Family Activity
Brush your teeth together as a family as this teaches them that brushing teeth is part of a daily family routine and allows you to demonstrate the right way to do it.
Make it Exciting
Find ways to brighten up the activity to be more exciting. Any fun activity, whether it’s a silly song or dance that’s reserved for this time will get them in action.
Get the Right Tools for the Job
Brushing teeth for two minutes is essential for healthy teeth. A great way to make time go faster is to find fun brushing videos that keep them focused. Additionally, have them choose their toothbrush and toothpaste flavor, so they feel like they have a say in their brushing routine.
All hope isn’t lost even if your kid isn’t receptive after trying this. Figure out a way to work through it by keeping it positive and fun.
Sometimes, all they need is to understand why healthy teeth are so important from the person with the white coat. At Highland Pediatric Dental, we have a team of knowledgeable and friendly dentists that can help you further in establishing healthy dental habits in your child’s life. To set an appointment for your child, call us at 910-485-8749.
*Stock photographs and artwork are for illustrative purposes only. **This blog/post contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. You must not rely on this blog/post as an alternative to medical advice from your dentist or other healthcare providers. Please see our full disclaimer at www.HighlandPediatricDental.com.
What is a Pediatric Dentist
A pediatric dentist is a professional who specializes in treating the unique oral health needs of children from infancy through the adolescence years. These specialists have the experience and qualifications required to care for children’s gums, mouth, and teeth during their different stages of development.
Qualifications a Pediatric Dentist Possesses
At a minimum, a pediatric dentist must have a four-year dentistry degree, and an additional two years of residency training dealing with infants, kids, teenagers, and children with special needs.
What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?
These specialists fulfill essential functions that pertain to your child’s overall oral health and hygiene. The most common tasks performed by a pediatric dentist include:
- Oral health examinations
- Preventive treatment (cleanings and fluoride treatments)
- Early assessments for tooth decay and teeth alignment
- Treatments for cavities, gum disease, and damaged teeth
- Repair of dental injuries
- Advice on diet and nutrition
- Advice on pacifiers and thumb sucking
- Diagnosis of dental issues that are linked to other conditions such as diabetes, asthma, congenital heart defect, hay fever, etc.
While taking your child to your dentist may seem easy, it’s better to consider a dentist who is qualified to handle kids. Regular visits to a pediatric dentist provide an opportunity to assess how well your child’s teeth are growing and equips you with tips for giving permanent teeth a healthier start.
At Highland Pediatric Dental, you’ll find friendly and knowledgeable pediatric dentists that examine and treat your kids in a manner that makes them comfortable and gives you confidence. Our dentists hope to see you and your child soon. Call us to schedule an appointment at 910-485-8749.
*Stock photographs and artwork are for illustrative purposes only. **This blog/post contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. You must not rely on this blog/post as an alternative to medical advice from your dentist or other healthcare providers. Please see our full disclaimer at www.HighlandPediatricDental.com.
What You Need to Care for Your Child’s Teeth at Home
Teaching your kids good dental habits early on in life is the best way to help them adopt proper oral hygiene as a part of their daily routine. Good oral hygiene means helping them clean their teeth thoroughly with the proper tools. Here are some of the most essential tools for optimum oral health.
Age-Appropriate Toothbrush
A healthy smile requires work, and part of this is helping your child to brush and remove all the plaque that accumulates on the teeth, causing tooth decay. Toothbrushes are designed to address the various needs of children at all ages so ensure you choose a brush that easily fits into their little mouths with soft bristles and a well-sized handle.
Dental Floss
Kids are encouraged to floss once a day to prevent food particles and plaque from settling between their teeth. Choose dental floss tools like flat dental tape or floss picks to make the activity easy.
Toothpaste
Use a child-friendly toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval.
Water
Water contributes significantly to a healthy mouth. It washes away all the food debris and maintains a healthy Ph level. Even before your child’s first tooth appears, you’ll want to keep their gums clean by wiping them gently with a clean, soft gauze or damp washcloth.
Our team of pediatric dentists at Highland Pediatric Dental is ready to give you recommendations to keep your child’s teeth healthy for years. Schedule your child’s next appointment by calling us at 910-485-8749.
*Stock photographs and artwork are for illustrative purposes only. **This blog/post contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. You must not rely on this blog/post as an alternative to medical advice from your dentist or other healthcare providers. Please see our full disclaimer at www.HighlandPediatricDental.com.
What Toothpaste Should Your Child Use?
Maintaining good oral hygiene is paramount in preventing tooth decay and other common dental conditions. And when it comes to kids, picking a good toothpaste is an essential factor in getting them to brush and take care of their teeth daily.
Here are four tips to remember when choosing a toothpaste for your child.
Look for the ADA Seal
When finding your child’s oral care products, a good place to start is to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval. If you find the seal, this means the ADA guarantees product has been tested for effectiveness and proper ingredients.
Fluoride
The American Dental Association recommends the use of fluoridated toothpaste to prevent cavities. The most important thing, however, is to ensure your child spits out all the toothpaste and rinses their mouth thoroughly, as ingesting too much fluoride may lead to fluorosis.
Watch Out for Abrasives
Some toothpastes contain harsh abrasives that can erode a kid’s enamel or cause problems like gum erosion. Avoid common abrasives like calcium carbonate, silicates, hydrated aluminum oxides, magnesium carbonate, etc.
Great Flavors
Most kids can’t tolerate minty toothpastes as these can be a bit tingly and spicy for their sensitive palates. Find fun, pleasant flavors such as watermelon, strawberry, berry, or bubblegum that encourage your kids to brush, at least willingly.
The knowledgeable dentists at Highland Pediatric Dental have all the information you need to pick the right oral care products for your kids. We are happy to help and answer any questions you may have. To set an appointment for your child, call us at 910-485-8749.
*Stock photographs and artwork are for illustrative purposes only. **This blog/post contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. You must not rely on this blog/post as an alternative to medical advice from your dentist or other healthcare providers. Please see our full disclaimer at www.HighlandPediatricDental.com.