- What is Pediatric Dentistry?
- Basic Dental Care
- FAQ’s
- Services
- Dental Terminologies
Dental Health Education
What is Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry (formerly Pedodontics/Paedodontics) is the branch of dentistry dealing with children from birth through adolescence.
Since our children are our future, they are very precious and they deserve to be healthy. Any early start in regular dental care is an important step on the road to total health.
The pedodontist advises that regular dental care begin by one year of age. By age two, almost 10% of American children have dental caries(tooth decay). By the age three, when most children have 20 of their primary teeth, about 50% of American children have one or more decayed teeth. Thus, pedodontist advise that regular dental care ideally at age two and no later than age three.
Since our children are our future, they are very precious and they deserve to be healthy. Any early start in regular dental care is an important step on the road to total health.
The pedodontist advises that regular dental care begin by one year of age. By age two, almost 10% of American children have dental caries(tooth decay). By the age three, when most children have 20 of their primary teeth, about 50% of American children have one or more decayed teeth. Thus, pedodontist advise that regular dental care ideally at age two and no later than age three.
Basic Dental Care
Infants: You should start cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as the first teeth come in. Harmful plaque begins to form as soon as teeth erupt. It may be easier to begin cleaning your child’s teeth with a clean washcloth or gauze pad over your finger. As more teeth erupt, a small brush with soft bristles can be used to remove the plaque from the teeth. Also, be sure and floss any teeth that are touching. It is recommended that after feeding or nursing that you wipe the excess milk off your child’s gums.
Toddlers: Parents should brush children’s teeth until they are about 5 years old (if they want to do it themselves, let them do it after you have already brushed them). It is important that you talk to and teach your children while brushing their teeth. Sometimes singing a song about brushing and flossing will help relax your child through the brushing process. You should monitor your child while they brush their teeth until the age of at least 10. This is because children don’t focus on brushing their back teeth as much as they should when not being monitored, leaving those teeth susceptible for cavities.
Adolescents: Sometimes it can be hard to get your kid’s to brush their teeth at this age. However, it is important for parents to help kids understand why it is so important to take care of their teeth. It is also important to talk with your kids about proper foods and drinks to keep their bodies and teeth healthy.
Brushing
Children should brush their teeth at least three times a day. When your child is old enough fluoride toothpaste will help aide in the prevention of cavities. For the outside and inner tongue side of the teeth, place the brush at a slight angle toward the gums and brush in tiny little circles. Be careful not to brush too hard, just apply gentle pressure. For the chewing surfaces of the teeth, brush back and forth. It is important to spend at least 2 minutes on both the upper and lower teeth for a total of 4 minutes of brushing. Also, don’t forget to brush the tongue.
Flossing
A Flosbrush like the one in the picture is highly used by kids. This makes it easier for kids to floss since their mouths are so small. It is important to floss all of your teeth everyday, a common place for kids to get cavities is between the teeth. Simply wiggle the floss between the teeth and carefully hug the tooth and move the Flosbrush up and down. Wiggle the floss back out and proceed with the next tooth. Be sure not to miss behind the very back teeth.
What to do in an Emergency
Cut or bitten tongue, lip or cheek:Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle press pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes, or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency room.
Knocked out permanent tooth:Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth, but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert the tooth in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk, water or saline solution. See Dr. Bruce Baker IMMEDIATELY! Time is a crucial factor in saving the tooth.
Broken Tooth:Rinse dirt from injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. See Dr. Bruce Baker immediately.Bleeding after a baby tooth falls out:Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite firmly for 15 minutes. This can be repeated once; if bleeding persists, contact Dr. Bruce Baker’s office.
Knocked out permanent tooth:Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth, but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert the tooth in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk, water or saline solution. See Dr. Bruce Baker IMMEDIATELY! Time is a crucial factor in saving the tooth.
Broken Tooth:Rinse dirt from injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. See Dr. Bruce Baker immediately.Bleeding after a baby tooth falls out:Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite firmly for 15 minutes. This can be repeated once; if bleeding persists, contact Dr. Bruce Baker’s office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is pediatric dentistry?
A: Pediatric dentistry specially designed for the care of children’s teeth.
Q: Are baby teeth different from adult teeth?
A: Yes, kids don’t have premolars and their teeth are much smaller. More importantly, it is the structure of the teeth which makes them different. Decay spreads at a faster rate in baby teeth and they are more susceptible to cavities. Also, baby teeth are also called Milk teeth and Deciduous teeth.
Q: Why is it important to take good care of baby teeth?
A:If decay is allowed to persist in these teeth, it can affect the permanent adult teeth developing near the roots of these baby teeth. Hence the damage may be permanent and irreversible.
Q: What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
A: Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or BBTD is the condition when several teeth are decayed as a result of these teeth being bathed with a carbohydrate solution such as milk or juice for prolonged periods of time. For instance, a baby sleeping with the bottle for the entire night or even a few hours is enough to cause such decay
Q: What is rampant caries?
A: This is a condition where most, if not all the teeth in the child’s mouth are decayed. Being baby teeth, the decay spreads fast. Poor hygiene, prolonged exposure to carbohydrate and neglect are some of the causes for rampant caries.
Q: Why restore primary teeth?
A:Parents are often surprised to learn that their children have dental decay and question the need to repair or restore the baby teeth.
Before the teeth erupt in the mouth, the bacteria that causes tooth decay is swallowed with food or saliva. When the first tooth appears there is now a surface for bacteria to adhere to and multiply.The primary teeth must be present to help guide the proper path for eruption of the permanent teeth.
If a child has a toothache or pain with chewing, he will not be able to eat properly. Decayed molars may affect a child’s nutrition and could result in weight loss.
Before age two and a half the upper front primary teeth (incisors) are necessary for normal speech development. The facial appearance will also be affected by the early loss of the incisors.
Abscess of the tooth may occur if tooth decay is not treated.
Extensive decay of a primary molar may require an extraction. Extraction of a primary molar in a toddler or preschooler could cause the accidental removal of the developing permanent teeth.
Decay can spread from one tooth to the other by direct contact or by shedding into the saliva.
Q: At what age should I bring my child to the dentist?
A: An increasing number of dentists appreciate the opportunity of seeing children about the time the first baby teeth are erupting. This is at approximately six months of age.
Q: Why take x-rays for a young child?
A: X-rays shows cavities and many unusual conditions such as missing or extra baby and permanent teeth, abscesses or abnormal growths; however, x-rays will be taken only if the dentist feels they are necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
Q: Will I go into the treatment room with my child?
A: Yes, we only ask that parents be a silent witness when in the treatment room. The decision on where the parent remains during the child’s treatment should be made by the dentist alone, and is based on his judgment of what is best for the child. Working with your dentist will ensure the best experience for your child.
Q: My child’s baby teeth had a lot of decay. Does this mean that the permanent teeth will be just as bad?
A:It is very likely, unless the cause can be determined and proper preventative and corrective steps are taken.
Q: Is it possible that my son could have a cavity in his teeth? He’s only 18 months old.
A: Yes, it is possible. The American Society of Dentistry for Children points out that many children have cavities before two years of age. Sugar-containing baby formulas and baby foods, soft drinks, candy, pastries, gum, and other sugar-containing foods may be responsible for the early decay. Improper nursing habits also may cause early decay.
Q: My one-year-old son has only his front baby teeth. Are they safe from dental decay?
A:No, they are not. In fact, one of the most devastating kinds of dental decay and one that is most difficult to treat is found in very young child who are nursed with a bottle or by the breast. Some of these children will develop a condition called “nursing caries”.
Q: What causes nursing caries?
A:Though dairy products are considered one of the four basic foods and an important part of the diet, in one specific situation milk can be responsible for causing a type of rampant decay. This happens when a child goes to sleep while breast feeding. The milk is collected on the roof of the tongue, and the upper from front teeth are saturated in it. During sleep, the flow of saliva is reduced and the natural self-cleansing action of the mouth is diminished. The sugar content of the stagnant collected milk is changed to acids which cause decalcification (softening) of the enamel, resulting in extensive decay called “nursing caries.”
Q: Can extended breast feeding result in nursing caries, just as with the bottle?
A:Yes, nursing caries can be caused by long term breast feeding. The condition is especially noticed when the nursing infant or young child is allowed to sleep at the breast.
Q: Is milk the only liquid that will cause this?
A: No. Sweet liquids – soft drinks, fruit juices, infant formulas, and “sugar water” – are extremely bad for the young nursing child’s teeth.
Q: When should children stop nursing?
A:In the interest of dental health, it is advisable to get the child to take liquids from a cup after one year. If nursing continues, the child should never be allowed to fall asleep while feeding. Sweet liquids, of course, should be completely avoided in the bottle.
Q: My neighbor’s child eats candy all the time and doesn’t have a single cavity. Why is this?
A: Your neighbor’s child may be among the very few who are highly resistant to dental decay. Most of us do not have this resistance to decay; however, as a result of preventive techniques such as fluorides, better oral hygiene, good dietary habits, good dentistry, and pit and fissure sealants, more and more children are joining the “cavity-free generation.”
Q: Why should the baby teeth be filled, since they will be lost anyway perhaps in a short time?
A:Even though these primary teeth are called “baby teeth,” some of them must serve until the child is at least twelve years old, sometimes longer. Neglect of the baby teeth can result in pain, infection of the gums and jaws, impairment of general health and premature loss of teeth. Also, cavities tend to form in teeth that are next to other teeth with unfilled cavities, because decay is really an infection and will spread if left untreated. It is unwise to leave active decay in the mouth, even for a few months.
Q: What are canker sores and what can I do about them?
A: Canker sores are small, painful ulcers on the lips, cheeks, or tongue. They may occur singly or there may be several. For those who are susceptible to them, they may frequently recur. They last for seven to fourteen days however little can be done to shorten their duration. Your dentist can prescribe a soothing mouth rinse to help reduce any discomfort.
Some things you can do to avoid discomfort on your own:
Use a straw when drinking any citrus juices
Avoid salty and highly seasoned foods
Q: Do handicapped children have dental problems that require special care?
A:No, not necessarily. In general, handicapped children have the same dental problems as other children, although in some cases the dental problem may be magnified by the handicapping condition. Your dentist is familiar with the various handicapping conditions and related dental problems, and will be able to provide the necessary dental care or recommend a source of treatment.
A: Pediatric dentistry specially designed for the care of children’s teeth.
Q: Are baby teeth different from adult teeth?
A: Yes, kids don’t have premolars and their teeth are much smaller. More importantly, it is the structure of the teeth which makes them different. Decay spreads at a faster rate in baby teeth and they are more susceptible to cavities. Also, baby teeth are also called Milk teeth and Deciduous teeth.
Q: Why is it important to take good care of baby teeth?
A:If decay is allowed to persist in these teeth, it can affect the permanent adult teeth developing near the roots of these baby teeth. Hence the damage may be permanent and irreversible.
Q: What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
A: Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or BBTD is the condition when several teeth are decayed as a result of these teeth being bathed with a carbohydrate solution such as milk or juice for prolonged periods of time. For instance, a baby sleeping with the bottle for the entire night or even a few hours is enough to cause such decay
Q: What is rampant caries?
A: This is a condition where most, if not all the teeth in the child’s mouth are decayed. Being baby teeth, the decay spreads fast. Poor hygiene, prolonged exposure to carbohydrate and neglect are some of the causes for rampant caries.
Q: Why restore primary teeth?
A:Parents are often surprised to learn that their children have dental decay and question the need to repair or restore the baby teeth.
Before the teeth erupt in the mouth, the bacteria that causes tooth decay is swallowed with food or saliva. When the first tooth appears there is now a surface for bacteria to adhere to and multiply.The primary teeth must be present to help guide the proper path for eruption of the permanent teeth.
If a child has a toothache or pain with chewing, he will not be able to eat properly. Decayed molars may affect a child’s nutrition and could result in weight loss.
Before age two and a half the upper front primary teeth (incisors) are necessary for normal speech development. The facial appearance will also be affected by the early loss of the incisors.
Abscess of the tooth may occur if tooth decay is not treated.
Extensive decay of a primary molar may require an extraction. Extraction of a primary molar in a toddler or preschooler could cause the accidental removal of the developing permanent teeth.
Decay can spread from one tooth to the other by direct contact or by shedding into the saliva.
Q: At what age should I bring my child to the dentist?
A: An increasing number of dentists appreciate the opportunity of seeing children about the time the first baby teeth are erupting. This is at approximately six months of age.
Q: Why take x-rays for a young child?
A: X-rays shows cavities and many unusual conditions such as missing or extra baby and permanent teeth, abscesses or abnormal growths; however, x-rays will be taken only if the dentist feels they are necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
Q: Will I go into the treatment room with my child?
A: Yes, we only ask that parents be a silent witness when in the treatment room. The decision on where the parent remains during the child’s treatment should be made by the dentist alone, and is based on his judgment of what is best for the child. Working with your dentist will ensure the best experience for your child.
Q: My child’s baby teeth had a lot of decay. Does this mean that the permanent teeth will be just as bad?
A:It is very likely, unless the cause can be determined and proper preventative and corrective steps are taken.
Q: Is it possible that my son could have a cavity in his teeth? He’s only 18 months old.
A: Yes, it is possible. The American Society of Dentistry for Children points out that many children have cavities before two years of age. Sugar-containing baby formulas and baby foods, soft drinks, candy, pastries, gum, and other sugar-containing foods may be responsible for the early decay. Improper nursing habits also may cause early decay.
Q: My one-year-old son has only his front baby teeth. Are they safe from dental decay?
A:No, they are not. In fact, one of the most devastating kinds of dental decay and one that is most difficult to treat is found in very young child who are nursed with a bottle or by the breast. Some of these children will develop a condition called “nursing caries”.
Q: What causes nursing caries?
A:Though dairy products are considered one of the four basic foods and an important part of the diet, in one specific situation milk can be responsible for causing a type of rampant decay. This happens when a child goes to sleep while breast feeding. The milk is collected on the roof of the tongue, and the upper from front teeth are saturated in it. During sleep, the flow of saliva is reduced and the natural self-cleansing action of the mouth is diminished. The sugar content of the stagnant collected milk is changed to acids which cause decalcification (softening) of the enamel, resulting in extensive decay called “nursing caries.”
Q: Can extended breast feeding result in nursing caries, just as with the bottle?
A:Yes, nursing caries can be caused by long term breast feeding. The condition is especially noticed when the nursing infant or young child is allowed to sleep at the breast.
Q: Is milk the only liquid that will cause this?
A: No. Sweet liquids – soft drinks, fruit juices, infant formulas, and “sugar water” – are extremely bad for the young nursing child’s teeth.
Q: When should children stop nursing?
A:In the interest of dental health, it is advisable to get the child to take liquids from a cup after one year. If nursing continues, the child should never be allowed to fall asleep while feeding. Sweet liquids, of course, should be completely avoided in the bottle.
Q: My neighbor’s child eats candy all the time and doesn’t have a single cavity. Why is this?
A: Your neighbor’s child may be among the very few who are highly resistant to dental decay. Most of us do not have this resistance to decay; however, as a result of preventive techniques such as fluorides, better oral hygiene, good dietary habits, good dentistry, and pit and fissure sealants, more and more children are joining the “cavity-free generation.”
Q: Why should the baby teeth be filled, since they will be lost anyway perhaps in a short time?
A:Even though these primary teeth are called “baby teeth,” some of them must serve until the child is at least twelve years old, sometimes longer. Neglect of the baby teeth can result in pain, infection of the gums and jaws, impairment of general health and premature loss of teeth. Also, cavities tend to form in teeth that are next to other teeth with unfilled cavities, because decay is really an infection and will spread if left untreated. It is unwise to leave active decay in the mouth, even for a few months.
Q: What are canker sores and what can I do about them?
A: Canker sores are small, painful ulcers on the lips, cheeks, or tongue. They may occur singly or there may be several. For those who are susceptible to them, they may frequently recur. They last for seven to fourteen days however little can be done to shorten their duration. Your dentist can prescribe a soothing mouth rinse to help reduce any discomfort.
Some things you can do to avoid discomfort on your own:
Use a straw when drinking any citrus juices
Avoid salty and highly seasoned foods
Q: Do handicapped children have dental problems that require special care?
A:No, not necessarily. In general, handicapped children have the same dental problems as other children, although in some cases the dental problem may be magnified by the handicapping condition. Your dentist is familiar with the various handicapping conditions and related dental problems, and will be able to provide the necessary dental care or recommend a source of treatment.
Dental Terminologies
For Adults
For Kids
Lead Shield - (G) princess cape | Superhero (B)
Saliva Ejector- Mr. Thirsty
Prophy Angle- Special brush
Air/water syringe- Mr. Squirty pr my special squirt gun that gets all the toothpaste out.
Flouride- Special vitamins to make teeth super strong to help protect against sugarbugs
Topical- Special sleepy jelly
Anesthetic- Sleepy juice
Numb lip or cheek- Puffy marshmallow
Gauze- Tooth pillow (when bitting on it after ext.)
Rising Chair up and Down- We say they're gonna go for a ride.
Dr. Baker's drill/handpiece- Special toothbrush to clean out sugarbugs.
XRay-Taking picture of their nose.
Saliva Ejector- Mr. Thirsty
Prophy Angle- Special brush
Air/water syringe- Mr. Squirty pr my special squirt gun that gets all the toothpaste out.
Flouride- Special vitamins to make teeth super strong to help protect against sugarbugs
Topical- Special sleepy jelly
Anesthetic- Sleepy juice
Numb lip or cheek- Puffy marshmallow
Gauze- Tooth pillow (when bitting on it after ext.)
Rising Chair up and Down- We say they're gonna go for a ride.
Dr. Baker's drill/handpiece- Special toothbrush to clean out sugarbugs.
XRay-Taking picture of their nose.