Children's Dental Health Information

Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bedtime bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child’s teeth. Take your child to a dentist regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The first dental visit should be scheduled by your child’s first birthday.

Fluoridated toothpaste should be introduced when a child is 2-3 years of age. Prior to that, parents should clean the child’s teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. When toothpaste is used after age 2-3, parents should supervise brushing and make sure the child uses no more than a pea-sized amount on the brush. Children should spit out excess toothpaste after brushing, not swallow it.

Many parents wonder if their children are getting enough fluoride to keep their teeth strong and healthy. Fluoride is important because it helps protect against cavities and strengthens developing teeth. Most children receive fluoride through their toothpaste and, in many areas, through the local water supply. During your visit, we will review your child’s individual risk for tooth decay and discuss whether additional fluoride treatments—such as varnish applications in the dental office—would be helpful. Our goal is to make sure your child receives just the right amount of fluoride for safe and effective protection.

Many parents wonder if their children are getting enough fluoride to keep their teeth strong and healthy. Fluoride is important because it helps protect against cavities and strengthens developing teeth. Most children receive fluoride through their toothpaste and, in many areas, through the local water supply. During your visit, we will review your child’s individual risk for tooth decay and discuss whether additional fluoride treatments—such as varnish applications in the dental office—would be helpful. Our goal is to make sure your child receives just the right amount of fluoride for safe and effective protection.

The most important thing to do is to remain calm. Then find the tooth. Hold it by the crown rather than the root and try to reinsert it in the socket. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk and take your child and the tooth immediately to the pediatric dentist.

Pediatric dentists have in-depth knowledge of the growth and development of your child’s teeth, mouth and face. We can correct simple abnormalities in tooth and jaw position using:

›Removable orthodontic appliances
›Fixed orthodontic appliances
›Functional orthodontic appliances

Early diagnosis and proper treatment can pay dividends in improved dental health and in avoiding future dental problems. Your pediatric dentist will guide you on any early intervention treatment or a referral to an orthodontist at the appropriate time.

Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning with the eruption of the first tooth. Then, the dentist can recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for parents to supervise and teach to their children. These home treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.