A Parent’s Guide to Pediatric Dental Care

The steps that you take to protect your child’s oral health in early childhood make a big difference in their oral health as an adult, and this process starts earlier than most parents expect. The moment the first tooth pops through the gums is the time when you need to start scheduling regular dental checkups.

In this guide, we are looking at everything you need to know about partnering with a pediatric dentist. Not only is our team at myDental here to assist with the first dental visit, but we also offer a proactive approach and ongoing screenings to help your child maintain a smile that lasts a lifetime.

When Should My Child First See a Dentist?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, it is recommended that every child have their first dental visit by their first birthday (or within six months after the first tooth comes in). Even if the child doesn’t have many teeth at this point, these early visits are important to assess their oral health development. Our goal in this stage is to support parents with proactive guidance, helping to reduce the need for reactive treatments in the coming years.

During the first appointment and all of the follow-up visits, we offer a comfortable and supportive environment to help your child feel relaxed in the dental chair. Our skilled team will perform a gentle exam to look at the teeth, gums, bite, and jaw.

This is also a great opportunity to ask questions and get personalized recommendations from the dentist about feeding habits and ongoing oral hygiene at home.

What You Need to Know About Baby Tooth Decay

One common misconception about early childhood dental issues is that baby teeth don’t really matter since they are going to fall out eventually to make room for the permanent teeth. But the truth is that baby tooth decay can be a big concern, especially because the baby teeth guide the way the permanent teeth are growing in. Additionally, healthy baby teeth are essential to support the child’s speaking and chewing functions.

Baby tooth decay (commonly known as early childhood cavities) is unfortunately one of the most common chronic conditions for children throughout the United States. When children are drinking and eating sugary things, the risk of tooth decay increases. This is especially a problem if the child is having juice or milk at bedtime, because then the sugars sit on the teeth throughout the night.

If early childhood tooth decay is left untreated, it can cause the child to experience pain and infections. Additionally, these issues can take a toll on the development of the permanent teeth.

Expert tip from a pediatric dentist: Once the child’s first tooth appears, start brushing with a rice-sized amount of toothpaste before bed.

Fluoride Treatment and Dental Sealants for Children

At myDental, we prioritize preventive treatments to reduce the risk of cavities and infections. When your child comes to our office for a checkup, we can discuss several options that you might consider:

• Dental Sealants: It can be hard to clean deep molar grooves, which is why these teeth are prone to decay when food gets trapped in the grooves. Dental sealants for kids are an effective solution to reduce the risk of cavities. A thin coating is applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth, which is where most childhood cavities form. We usually recommend dental sealants after the permanent molars grow in, usually between the ages of 6 and 12 years old.
• In-Office Fluoride Treatments: One way to strengthen the enamel and reduce the risk of cavities is by adding a fluoride treatment when your child visits our office for dental checkups. Even if you are using fluoride toothpaste at home, this varnish can provide extra support and protection to prevent dental complications.

Silver Diamine Fluoride: A Needle-Free Option for Cavity Treatment

Talk to our pediatric dentist about alternative options if your child needs a cavity treatment. For example, we might be able to use Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), which is a modern treatment that can stop cavity progression. The biggest benefit is that there is no need for drilling or anesthesia because the treatment is painless and easy.

So, if you have a young child who can’t tolerate traditional dental procedures yet, then our team can offer other alternatives such as SDF.

One important thing that you need to understand about this treatment: when SDF is used, the decay that is being treated will be permanently stained black. If you are concerned about the cosmetic results, then make sure to discuss this treatment with our team. Since the baby tooth will eventually fall out, the discoloration isn’t a concern for many parents.

Our dental team is here to discuss SDF and help you decide if it’s the right treatment for your child. We need to evaluate individual factors, such as your child’s age and how severe the decay is that needs to be treated.

Tongue Tie Screening in Early Childhood

Every child should have a tongue tie screening during their early childhood dental exams. If the tissue is too tight between the tongue and the floor of the mouth, then it can restrict tongue movement and have an impact on the child’s ability to breastfeed and eat. A tongue tie can also affect oral hygiene.

Our dental team will check for a tongue tie and recommend treatment options if needed. Early treatment is essential so that your child can have normal development with eating and speech.

Early Airway and Orthodontic Screening

A proactive approach with airway and orthodontic screenings is also important in early childhood. We’ll look at your child’s jaw development, bite patterns, and breathing habits. All of these factors go beyond the teeth and give us a clear picture of your child’s overall oral health.

Have you noticed that your child is a mouth breather or snores at night? These symptoms could be a sign of airway restrictions, and a pediatric dentist might be the first expert to notice these issues.

We recommend that every child have an early orthodontic screening around the age of 7. At this stage, the jaw is still developing, and it’s easier to use interventions that can simplify potential orthodontic treatments in the future.

Pediatric Dentistry: Building Healthy Smiles from the Start

Protecting your child’s smile is more than just preventing cavities in childhood. This proactive approach sets your child up for a lifetime of healthy habits, so they have a confident smile now and in the future.

Our team at myDental is here to help with everything from Pediatric Dentistry to full-service dental treatments in the adult years. We offer a family-focused approach and caring staff members who are here to help with anything that you need.

Our team loves seeing little smiles grow, and we strive to make every visit as comfortable and positive as possible. Book an appointment at one of our nearby locations, or call anytime if you have questions about our services.

FAQs

At what age should my child first see a dentist?

The industry standard is to schedule a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday. At the latest, make sure that your child sees a pediatric dentist within six months of when the first tooth comes in.

Are dental sealants safe for children?

Yes, dental sealants are safe for kids, and they have been used in pediatric dentistry for many years. We recommend dental sealants for most children as a way to prevent cavities in the back teeth.

What is Silver Diamine Fluoride, and does it hurt?

Silver Diamine Fluoride is a painless treatment that uses a liquid application to stop the cavity progression. It is painless since no drilling is required. Keep in mind that the treatment causes permanent black stains to the tooth decay, which is a cosmetic concern that some parents are concerned about.

How do I know if my child has a tongue tie?

Some of the most common signs of a tongue tie include difficulty breastfeeding, challenges with speech development, or the child is unable to lift their tongue. The best solution for diagnosis is to schedule a tongue tie screening with a pediatric dentist.