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PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Pediatric dentistry is the branch of the field focusing on kids up until adulthood. A child’s teeth are vital to healthy growth and development and need to be maintained in similar ways to those of adults. Additionally, instilling good dental habits early is an important step in encouraging lifelong dental health. By teaching kids to brush, floss, and regularly visit the dentist, parents can reduce the risk of decay and other issues both during childhood and as adults.
CHILDHOOD DENTAL DEVELOPMENT
On average, children begin the teething process between the ages of four and ten months. However, this can vary significantly, as some babies are born with their first teeth and others won’t have any grow in until they’re over a year old. By the end of teething, children have 20 baby teeth. You should expect your child to finish teething by 33 months.
Given the range of healthy childhood development, it’s recommended that children have their first dental appointment near their first birthday—even if they’re still early in the teething process. If there are issues with jaw development, teeth may erupt later than expected or not at all. This or any other potential problems are much easier to correct when noticed early on with the aid of X-rays and periodic checkups.
You can support your child’s dental health by gently wiping the gums using a moist rag or gauze. Once their first teeth begin to appear, you can start brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water. Your dentist will help you understand your child’s development and health, and recommend a time to begin brushing with toothpaste—generally around the second birthday.
Flossing generally comes later in the development process. You should begin flossing your child’s teeth regularly as soon as they will hold still and tolerate it. This typically occurs by age three, and if you make sure to let your child know that you floss regularly, they’ll be more likely to get into the habit of doing it themselves once they’re old enough.
Read more pediatric dentistry frequently asked questions here >
LOSING TEETH & GROWING NEW ONES
Most children begin to lose their baby teeth by the age of seven, at which point their first adult teeth start to grow in. Generally, this process will happen on its own, but dentists sometimes recommend extracting certain baby teeth that could cause problems later in life. It’s important to schedule regular checkups during this period so that any issues are noticed early, while they can be easily adjusted.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic appointment by their seventh birthday. An orthodontist can examine your child for any issues related to jaw alignment and bite. Again, the earlier these are noticed, the less invasive treatment becomes.
As your children grow, it’s normal for them to want independence from their parents. However, parental supervision can encourage healthy brushing and flossing habits, so it’s important for kids to be supervised until they are able to manage their own dental health without assistance or reminders.
REGULAR CHECKUPS
Adults and children alike should visit the dentist every six months. These checkups and cleanings are especially important for children, as their teeth are developing quickly, meaning their dental health can change quickly. Biannual checkups allow your child’s dentist to monitor dental development and identify preventative measures that can be taken to avoid expensive, complicated treatment in the future.
DENTAL SEALANTS
These are barriers to reduce the risk of cavities developing in permanent teeth. Dental sealants are usually applied to the back teeth, on the chewing surface where decay is most likely to occur. Since the back teeth have more of a depressed center, they can be harder to brush, especially for children, and dental sealants keep plaque and bacteria out.
PEDIATRIC PULPOTOMY
If a child’s tooth deteriorates due to decay and cavities, a pediatric pulpotomy— also known as a “baby root canal” —is performed to prevent an infection or abscess. This is done by removing bacteria from the pulp chamber inside the tooth.
SPACE MAINTAINERS
Once a tooth falls out, it’s possible for the surrounding teeth to push into the newly vacated area. Space maintainers are custom-made to keep that open space and allow the adult tooth room to come in. They can be mildly uncomfortable to kids, but they can also prevent later treatment such as braces, making them an important part of pediatric dental treatment.
NITROUS OXIDE (LAUGHING GAS)
Nitrous oxide is a safe, effective sedative that allows the patient to remain conscious. It’s used on children and adults alike to alleviate the symptoms of dental anxiety, especially during major procedures.
SLEEP APNEA & SNORING
If your child starts to snore regularly, or has breathing-related issues at night, you should contact your dentist immediately. These can be indicative of problems with growth and/or development, as well as sleeping disorders. These can be extremely serious conditions, especially if left untreated, and can lead to behavioral issues, learning delays, and more.
CONTACT LEAL, SPANGLER & JOHNSON
Drs. Leal, Spangler, and Johnson in Winston-Salem, NC provide the highest quality dental care with a personal touch, thoughtfully considering each patient and their needs. We offer comprehensive family and esthetic dentistry and love helping people achieve a healthy smile.
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PEDIATRIC DENTAL EMERGENCIES
While one of the main goals of pediatric dentistry is to avoid any emergency care, these situations still come up occasionally. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it includes some of the most common issues:
- Dental avulsion (knocked out teeth)
- Dental intrusion (teeth pushed down into the jawbone)
- Toothache
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Root fracture
- Tooth displacement
- Dental concussion
If your child goes through any of these experiences, it’s important to seek medical and/or dental attention right away.
EARLY DENTAL VISITS
Everyone knows that kids (and sometimes adults) are afraid of the dentist, but it doesn’t have to be this way. If you take your children to regular appointments every six months starting at the first birthday, they won’t have the negative associations that often come with the dentist’s office. If their first visits don’t involve any treatment or anxiety-producing procedures, they’ll be more likely to continue having checkups into adulthood.
Since children learn so much about the world through their parents, it’s important to teach them about the importance of dental health and regular checkups. Remind them that the dentist is there for their own benefit.
