Pediatric Dentistry

A child should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears. During the first pediatric visit, your dentist will conduct a gentle examination, check your child’s oral health, and monitor proper oral development. A light, gentle cleaning may also be done if necessary.

It is generally recommended that children, toddlers, and teenagers visit the dentist twice a year for checkups and professional cleanings. This way, you will prevent tooth decay, cavities, and spot potential issues before they become serious, ensuring good oral health for years to come. Also, maintaining good oral health through preventive care is often beneficial for the child’s general health and development.

The most common early signs of tooth decay in children are white spots on the tooth’s surface, which can become dark over time. Also, your child might complain of tooth sensitivity to sugar or hot and cold foods and beverages. Another common sign of tooth decay in children is persistent bad breath that does not go away after brushing and flossing.

If your child knocks out or chips a tooth, start by checking their head for injuries and look for signs of confusion, such as dizziness and nausea. Once you ensure that your child does not have head trauma, help them rinse their mouth with warm saltwater and make an appointment with an emergency pediatric dentist. While you are waiting for the appointment, keep your child calm and comforted to reduce stress and bleeding if present. Also, in cases of bleeding, have your child gently bite down on a piece of clean gauze and apply a cold compress to the outer side of their cheek for 10 to 15 minutes.

If your child has a toothache, inspect the area for trapped food and gum damage and gently brush and floss around the tooth. If the pain persists, make an appointment with your pediatric dentist. While you wait for your appointment, keep your child’s mouth clean, have your child rinse their mouth with salt water (for older children), and avoid hot, cold, and sugary foods and beverages. If you need to manage pain, apply a cold compress to the outer side of your child’s cheek for 15 minutes several times a day and use painkillers suitable for children. If the chipped tooth has sharp edges, use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover the tooth and protect the cheeks and tongue from damage.

Your child can start brushing their teeth independently by ages 6 to 9. Most children develop the fine motor skills needed to brush their teeth properly by ages 6 to 7, but others may need help until ages 8 to 9. A good sign of readiness is whether your child can tie their own shoes or write neatly. When it comes to flossing, most children may need help until they are 10 or 11 years old.

Pediatric dental services include preventive care (cleanings, fluoride treatments, and checkups), restorative services (dental fillings, pulpotomy, etc.), tooth extractions, dental crowns, and orthodontic treatments (for children over 7 years old).

To help your child overcome dental anxiety, avoid scolding your child and remain calm yourself, as a calm and assured presence of a parent will reassure the child as well. Prepare your child for the visit by reenacting it in a game form, taking turns being a patient and a doctor. Also, calmly explain to your child why they need to visit the dentist and what is going to happen, but use only positive reinforcement and avoid threatening your child with negative consequences if they do not go. Bring your kid’s favorite toy to the office and promise and arrange for a treat or a fun activity after the visit, so that the child can look forward to it.