What is a Pediatric Dentist?

As the experts in dental development, pediatric dentists are uniquely qualified to assess your child's changing dental needs and protect your child's dental future.

What causes decay in infant's teeth?

The seemingly harmless practice of using a bottle as a pacifier can cause serious decay to your baby's front teeth and may have lasting dental consequences. Don't let your baby sleep with nursing bottles filled with milk, juice or soda.

How should I take care of my baby's teeth?
Baby teeth are important to the child's future dental health. If cavities form in baby teeth, they can lead to problems which may affect the permanent teeth later. Pediatric dentists advise parents to start good dental care at home. It is never too early to start caring for your child's teeth. From birth until the age of six or seven months, when the primary teeth start to emerge, use a damp washcloth or cotton gauze to gently clean your child's gums after every feeding. This not only prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria and reduces discomfort from teething, but also helps your child become accustomed to future dental hygiene routines. When the primary teeth begin to come in, wipe or brush them at least twice a day. The first dental visit should occur around 12 months of age.

What causes tooth decay?

Sugar, whether high or low amounts, can start the tooth decay process. The cavity causing bacteria in the mouth can't tell the difference between a small or large amount of sugar. Even low sugar foods such as milk, fruits and even vegetables can start the tooth decay process.  Cooked starches -- potato chips, corn flakes, crackers, bread, pasta -- have decay causing power equal to sugars. Research today shows that almost every meal or snack can lead to acid attacks on your child's teeth.

Does my child need to completely avoid sticky sweets?
How sticky a food feels when you chew it does not relate to how long that food remains in the mouth. A caramel feels sticky, but it clears the mouth in minutes. A potato chip doesn't feel sticky, but it can remain in the mouth for hours.

What snacks are okay?

The frequency of snacks is more important than the type of snack. You can choose snacks based upon nutritional value and your child's preferences, as long as you limit the number of snacks and encourage good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Are there foods that have anti-cavity power?
Certain cheeses do not promote tooth decay and can help heal early injury to tooth enamel. Other "friendly" foods are chocolate, licorice and peanuts.

Is fluoride important?

As a child's teeth form, fluoride is incorporated into the enamel, making the teeth permanently more resistant to cavity. Studies show children raised with fluoridated drinking water have 65% fewer cavities than those who grew up without fluoridated water. Fluoride actually heals tiny breaks in tooth enamel and cures small cavities.

When should my child see Drs. Carey and Jones for their first dental visit?

Regular dental exams, just like physical examinations, are an important part of your child's overall health care program. We recommend your child's first dental visit take place between the ages of 12 and 18 months or earlier if problems arise. We also encourage you to contact us should you need counseling regarding hygiene or dental care of your infant.

Is early orthodontic treatment necessary?
As pediatric dentists watch children grow they can identify malocclusion right away and actively intervene to guide the teeth as they emerge in the mouth. Many times orthodontic treatment early on can prevent more extensive treatment later.

What are some guidelines for children’s dental emergencies?

TOOTHACHE

Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take acetaminophen for pain and see a dentist as soon as possible.

CUT OR BITTEN TONGUE, LIP OR CHEEK

Apply ice to bruised areas. If bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or 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 by the root portion. You may rinse the tooth, but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it 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 or water. See a dentist IMMEDIATELY. Time is a critical 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 injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. Immediate dental attention is necessary.

POSSIBLE BROKEN JAW

If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving by using a towel, tie, or handkerchief, then take the child to the nearest hospital emergency room.

BLEEDING AFTER BABY TOOTH FALLS OUT

Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes. This may be repeated once; if bleeding persists, see a dentist.

COLD/CANKER SORES

Many children occasionally suffer from "cold" or "canker" sores. Usually over-the-counter preparations give relief. Because some serious diseases may begin as sores, it is important to have a dental evaluation if these sores persist.