Pediatric Dentistry in Salem
Pediatric Dentistry
We recommend that children have their first dental check-up by 12 months of age to ensure proper development of their teeth and jaw. Early visits are important for parents and caregivers. They help them learn how to support their child's oral health from the start.
Guidelines for Working with Children
- Parents and guardians are always welcome to accompany their child during appointments.
- We prioritize your child's comfort and ensure a positive experience.
Parents or guardians must provide consent and get involved before anyone carries out any procedure.
First Visit
We recommend scheduling your child's first dental check-up by their 12-month mark. Here's a simple guide for when to schedule the visit:
- Within 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth
- No later than 12 months of age
- As soon as possible, if you have any concerns or questions about your child's oral health
Oral Hygiene Information for Your Child
Early dental check-ups for infants play a crucial role in setting the foundation for good oral health. These visits cover many topics. They teach parents how to care for their child's teeth and gums.
They also help children build self-care habits. Parents can ask questions or share concerns. The visits support planning for long-term dental health.
Check-ups
Education and prevention are fundamental to our approach to supporting children's dental health. During check-ups, we teach parents and guardians about good dental care. We also use this time to check the following:
- Number of teeth present
- Whether all teeth are fully erupted
- The presence of any loose teeth
- Evaluation of braces and bite alignment
- Cavity Screening
- Health of the gums
- Evaluation of oral habits
- Home care and preventive practices
- Fluoride usage
- Dietary review
- Addressing any concerns from parents or guardians
- Educating adults on how to care for their child's teeth properly
Home Dental Care Tips
Brushing your child's teeth can be a challenge at first. Kids commonly resist. They may cry, kick, or even run away. Each child reacts in their own way.
However, starting early with healthy teeth and gums is essential for your child's overall well-being. While many people often say that parents should choose their battles wisely, they should choose this one.
Keep in mind that the initial difficulty may feel overwhelming for you, but it's not as distressing for your child in the long run. Consistency and patience are key as you establish these healthy habits early on.
Common Procedures Include
- 2-Minute Fluoride Applications – To protect teeth from the effects of sugary foods, colas, and sticky snacks.
- Pit and fissure seals are a great way to prevent cavities. They block deep pits and grooves in teeth.
- Fluoride Fillings – Used to treat cavities in both primary (milk) and permanent teeth.
- Orthodontic Assessment – A consultation with a specialist to determine if your child may need braces.
- Habit-Breaking Appliances – Designed to address and correct habits such as thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, and tongue-thrusting.
- Space Maintainers are devices that keep space for permanent teeth. Dentists use them when a child loses a primary tooth or when a dentist removes it too early.
- Scaling & Polishing – To maintain healthy gums and prevent potential gum issues.
- Coloured Glittering Fillings – A trendy and fun option for fillings that kids will love.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, also called Baby Bottle Syndrome or Nursing Bottle Mouth, is a dental problem. It happens when a baby or child has quick decay of many or all baby teeth.
The upper front teeth are the most likely to sustain damage. They come in first and experience exposure to sugary drinks the longest. The tongue typically protects the lower front teeth while the child is nursing or using a bottle.
Frequent, prolonged exposure of a child's teeth to liquids containing sugar causes this condition. Common situations include when a baby falls asleep while drinking from a bottle of formula, milk, or juice. A caregiver can dip a pacifier in honey, or a baby can experience this during breastfeeding.
While the child sleeps, liquids gather around the front teeth. Bacteria in the mouth change sugars into acid. This process causes tooth decay.
Recognizing and Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Parents may not notice a problem until significant damage has already occurred. To catch early signs of tooth decay, it's essential to perform regular oral checks on your child's teeth. Look out for the following signs:
- Brown spots along the gumline can indicate early decay.
- A preference for soft foods or discomfort when eating cold, sweet, or hard foods, which may signal pain from decaying teeth.
By the time you notice tooth decay, the damage might be serious. You may need crowns, pulp therapy, or even tooth extraction. If not treated, your child may have long-term dental problems. These can include speech issues, emotional effects, crooked teeth, and bad oral health.
How to Protect Your Child's Teeth
You can prevent serious dental problems by adopting good oral care habits:
- Brush your child's teeth daily to keep them clean.
- Never let your child fall asleep with a bottle filled with juice, milk, or formula, or use it as a pacifier for extended periods.
- Start weaning your child off the bottle by age one.
- Offer plain water when your child is thirsty.
- Ensure your child receives enough fluoride to prevent decay.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups starting with the eruption of your child's first tooth.
Most children begin life with strong, healthy teeth, and with your care and attention, you can keep them that way. As a parent, your choices will have a lasting impact on your child's dental health and future.
Oral Hygiene Information for Your Child
Should I clean my baby's teeth?
Absolutely. Even before the first tooth emerges, it's important to wipe your baby's gums and cheeks with a soft, clean cloth after feedings. Once the first tooth appears, begin using a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the tooth after meals gently.
Avoid using toothpaste at this stage, as young children often swallow most of it. Swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can cause dental fluorosis. This condition leads to permanent spots on teeth.
I find brushing my child's teeth awkward. Any suggestions?
If brushing is difficult, try having your child lie down. You can place your child on your lap or the floor, holding their head steady with your legs. If your child is standing, position them with their back to you and their head slightly tilted against your body. You can also give your child a mirror to hold while you brush and floss so they can watch and feel more involved in the process.
Is it necessary to brush before bed?
Yes, brushing before bed is crucial. If you have to skip a brushing, the bedtime routine is the one you don't want to miss.
If you don't brush away the bacteria and sugars that cause cavities, they can harm your child's teeth all night. When you are awake, saliva helps clean your mouth. However, when you sleep, saliva production goes down.
This makes it crucial to brush your teeth before bed to avoid problems.
How to Brush Your Child's Teeth
Plaque naturally builds up on the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces of teeth, as well as along the gums. Regular tooth brushing is one of the most effective ways to remove this plaque.
Choose a toothbrush with soft, round-tipped bristles, as this is gentler on your child's teeth and gums. Your child will need a smaller brush compared to an adult.
Young children cannot brush their teeth well on their own. They will need your help and supervision until they are about 8 to 10 years old. This will ensure that they clean their teeth properly.
Replacing the toothbrush when the bristles become bent or frayed is essential to maintain effective cleaning.
Start flossing your child's teeth once they begin to touch each other, and it becomes difficult to clean between them with a toothbrush alone.
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