It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, and Dr. Medianick would like to take this opportunity to answer some of your questions about your child’s dental health. The good news is, today there are solutions for your child’s teeth in almost every situation!
1) When should my child first be seen?
Your child should be seen when their first tooth erupts, which usually occurs when they are about 6 months. During this first visit, we spend time educating you on how to best care for their teeth. They should then be seen every 6 months after that.
2) Should I brush my child’s teeth, even if they only have one tooth?
Yes, even one tooth can develop plaque. You should brush any baby tooth 2 times a day with a baby-size toothbrush and a rice-size amount of toothpaste. Brushing early like this also allows your child to get used to the sensation of brushing.
3) When should I start flossing my child’s teeth?
Start flossing your child’s teeth when 2 or more of their neighboring teeth start to touch.
4) How early can cavities develop?
Cavities can develop very early. I have seen kids with cavities as early as age 2.
5) How long should I brush and floss my child’s teeth for them?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), parents should floss and brush their children’s teeth until around age 7. That said, it is my opinion that there are a lot of 7-year-olds who are not as good at performing careful dental hygiene. For instance, my son is 10, and I still help him to monitor spots that he might miss.
6) What have you seen to be the main cause of decay in young children’s teeth
The main cause of tooth decay in young children that I have seen are drinks that contain sugars and acids (i.e., juices and sodas). Children should never be given these drinks, or milk, in bed. Proper hygiene needs to be performed after drinks are given before bed. Also, any sugary and sticky candy or snacks are a major factor in the development of tooth decay.
7) What happens if my child develops a cavity?
If decay begins to occur, you want to catch it early in order to protect the cavity from reaching the tooth’s nerve. Parents will not know that it has gotten to that point until their child actually starts to feel pain. And once the decay reaches the nerve, your child will need a root canal or extraction.
8) What do you do as a dentist to help calm anxious children in your office?
We take pride in how we care for children. Children are special, and we want to care for them well. I try to make the dental experience as fun as possible for them. I also like to ask them questions to find out more about them. They love to watch their favorite cartoon on TV while receiving treatment—this is a great distraction. And of course, they also love the treasure chest of gifts that they can choose from on their way out!
9) What do I do if my child’s tooth gets knocked out or is chipped?
Most kids end up banging their teeth at some point. If there is no bleeding or interference with biting, and the tooth is not loose and there is no pain, parents can simply observe the tooth. You want to look for any change of color, any report of pain, or any discomfort when eating. If you observe any of these symptoms, they should be seen immediately by a dentist. In cases where the root of the tooth is injured, a baby tooth root canal may need to be performed in order to prevent the spread of infection. If the tooth is chipped, it can possibly be repaired with bonding, or it can simply be observed if it is not an esthetic concern.
10) Do I need to be concerned about X-Rays for my child?
Children have less teeth, and for this reason, their teeth can be captured easier and on half the amount of X-Rays compared to what adults need.
11) How much fluoride do you recommend?
For the average child, we recommend an in-office fluoride treatment every 6 months. In situations where a child is prone to decay, I may recommend a fluoride supplement.
12) What should I do if my child has a tongue-tie?
A tongue-tie could interfere with feeding, speech, and sleeping. For this reason, it should be evaluated as early as possible.
13) When should my child first visit the orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommend children be seen no later than age 7. A visit at this age allows the orthodontist to monitor how their teeth are developing. In some situations, children may need to be seen earlier. For instance, my son was developing an underbite at an early age, and the orthodontist was able to intervene by guiding his bite as it was still developing.
At Boulevard Dental, we love being a multi-generational practice. Your children are special to us! We hope that Dr. Medianick’s answers to your questions have helped to alleviate your concerns. We are here for you—and your children!