For new parents, this article is especially important. We discuss baby teeth. What they are, their function, how to maintain them and their normal progression.

You probably already are aware of how important it is to take care of your child’s baby teeth, but still have lots of questions about them. That’s okay, many parents want to know more about their child’s baby teeth. We get asked the following questions all the time.

Top 5 Questions Parents Ask About Baby Teeth

1. When will my babies teeth come in?
   Around 3 months of age, a baby will start exploring their mouth with their tongue and exhibit signs of teething. A child’s first baby teeth will normally erupt between the ages of 6 months and 12 months of age.
2. How do I prevent bottle rot?
   Establish a brushing routine early on. You can simply wipe your baby’s gums gently using a washcloth after every meal and before bed. Avoid giving your child juice or sugary drinks in their bottle and make sure to sterilize your child’s bottle or cup regularly.
3. Are my babies teeth normal?
   Many parents are concerned about whether or not their child’s teeth are developing at a normal rate. Some issues that may prevent teeth from coming in on time are vitamin deficiencies, genetic abnormalities, cysts or tumors, premature / low birth weight. Hypodontia or absent teeth is an issue effecting up to 7% of people. Consult with your pediatric dentist if you feel your child may be experiencing issues.
4. How do I brush my babies teeth?
   As soon as your child’s teeth erupt, you can begin brushing their teeth with a pea sized amount of low fluoride toothpaste with a baby tooth brush – gentle head, large handle.
5. When do baby teeth fall out?
   Your child’s baby teeth will be around a little longer than you’d think. Their incisors (front teeth) will fall out at around age 5 or 6, while their molars are the last teeth to fall out – typically by age 10 or 11.

How Important Are A Babies Teeth?

While your child’s primary teeth aren’t permanent, it’s still critical to their development to have healthy, functioning teeth before adult teeth come in. Primary teeth that are lost before their time often cause permanent teeth to erupt out of position. This is notoriously difficult to correct with orthodontics. Occassionally this can even lead to the child’s face to develop asymmetrically. There are dental appliances called space maintainers that can prevent teeth from drifting apart and provide a more optimistic future for teeth to develop normally.

How Will My Child’s Baby Teeth Develop?

As your child’s teeth begin to develop you will begin to notice that your baby is experiencing some discomfort. All babies experience teething pains and it’s quite normal. There are some things you can do to alleviate the discomfort your child is feeling. People are normally born with 20 baby teeth waiting to erupt below the surface of the gumline. Your child will begin developing teeth at around 6 months of age – starting with their central incisors. By the age of 24 months, they should be developing their secondary molars and be through developing their deciduos teeth.

Baby Teeth Facts

• Usually for every 6 months of life, approximately 4 baby teeth will erupt.
• Girls generally develop baby teeth faster than boys.
• Lower baby teeth usually erupt before the upper ones.
• Teeth in both jaws tend to erupt in sets — one on the right and one on the left.
• Baby teeth are generally smaller in size than adult teeth. They are usually whiter in color than permanent teeth.
• By the time your child is 2 to 3 years of age, all of their baby teeth should have developed.

Maintaining Baby Teeth Is Easy

Baby teeth won’t need to be brushed until they’ve completely erupted. We’d advise gently rubbing their gums with a clean damp warm washcloth to adequately remove plaque. Do that twice per day especially after meals and before bed.

Once it’s time to begin brushing start with a baby tooth brush with a large handle and a soft head. There are toothbrushes specifically designed for babies and toddlers to use that will help them get used to brushing.

Starting a Good Foundation In Your Child’s Oral Health

It’s vital to start a good foundation for proper oral hygiene at an early age. Developing good brushing habits in your children early on will lead to a lifetime of good oral habits. As your baby develops into a toddler, make sure they are brushing at least two times each day. It’s advised to help your child brush their teeth until they are at least 5 or 6 years of age.

Follow up with bi-innual checkups and regular cleanings and you’re setting the state for your baby to have excellent oral hygiene as they develop their adult teeth. Exhibit good oral hygiene habits yourself, and you’ll be teaching your children important lessons that they’ll keep with them their entire lives.

Baby Dentist In Woodbridge, Burke, Dale City

If you’re a new parent and looking for a baby dentist in Woodbridge, Burke, or Dale City – please be aware that we have 4 convenient locations to serve you. Each of our pediatric dental offices provides outstanding dental care for babies (infants), toddlers, and children with special needs.

My Baby Has Never Been To The Dentist

That’s no problem at all. We love new patients so feel free to schedule an appointment with us, just make sure to fill out the new patient electronic form ahead of time to help streamline your first appointment.

We get asked regularly by both kids and parents “What age do I stop seeing you and start seeing a regular adult dentist?“. Many children become attached to their pediatric dental care providers and are anxious about seeing a general dentist. What age range do children see a pediatric dentist? At what age should you switch my childs dentist? These questions are completely normal and nothing to be concerned about.

Don’t feel anxious about asking these types of questions. Quite the opposite! We want parents and children alike to feel comfortable asking their dentist any question on their minds. This is one question that we actually get asked quite frequentl. Parents and children alike both inquire about the age range that pediatric dentists provide service.

What Age Range Do Children Normally See A Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist typically sees children from an age range of 6 months old until their final adult teeth have come in. A child will continue to develop adult teeth until they are 12 or 13 years of age. Many parents opt to have their children continue to see a pediatric dentist into their teenage years. Pediatric dentists are more familiar with issues concerning adolescent oral development than general dentists.

Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics sees adult patients as well as children and is a family dental care provider at each of our 4 locations. Our pediatric dental offices provide:

• Specialized training: Each licensed dentist has graduated from dental school. After dental school they received a minimum two years of additional training pertaining to working with children. Our dentists are intimately familiar with pediatric dental issues and provide expert care.
• Expert staff: Children can feel stressed and anxious when visiting the dentist. Our staff is expertly trained to put children of all ages at ease with being at the dentist. We are also equipped to deal with special needs patients.
• Comforting office: Our bright and cheerful dental office provides the perfect atmosphere to put children at ease. We provide entertaining games and videos to occupy kids while they wait to receive their dental care.

How Young Can Can My Child Be To Visit A Pediatric Dentist?

The American Dental Association recommends that children as young as 6 months old begin seeing a pediatric dentist, or as soon as the first tooth erupts. Infant oral care is something that is often overlooked by new parents. Identifying and correcting congenital abnormalities is something that can benefit your child at a very young age.

Parents frequently overlook the fact that a Pediatric Dentist is there for them just as much as their child! A Pediatric Dentist can answer questions parents have about their childs oral development. A pediatric dentists office is often ideally suited for impatient children who require some stimulation.

Frequently parents are waiting along side their child. We find parents are elated to see our Woodbridge dental office. We provides games, toys, videos and books to keep children entertained.

Are Teenagers Too Old For Pediatric Dentistry?

Our practice sees teenagers of all ages. Typically children will have moved onto an adult dentist by the time they reach the age of 18 years old. A general dentist will be better suited both atmospherically and medically to deal with adult dental issues.

However, since our dental practice sees patients of all ages, your child may opt to want to stay with a dentist they’ve come to know and trust over the years which is very common.

How Do We Know When It’s Time To Make The Transition?

Every kid is different. There may come a time when your child tells you on their own that they are ready to see an adult dentist. It’s important to have the conversation as they reach their later teen years and see if they are still comfortable with seeing a pediatric dentist. It’s all about your child’s comfort level.

With dental offices in Burke, Woodbridge, Dale City and we certainly try to make it convenient for parents and children to get to the dentist. Convenience aside though, a pediatric dental office can be a busy place, after all there are lots of little kids there!

Your teen might express the desire to go to a different dentist as they reach a certain maturity age. It’s normal, you should expect that at some point, your child may express a desire to go to a different dentist.

Pediatric Dentistry At Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

No matter the age of your child, their dental care and comfort comes first. We want to be your dental care provider for your entire family. If at some point your child wants to see another dentist – feel comfortable knowing that we want to ease the transition.

Once you’ve selected another dental care provider, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help transfer any dental records and xrays that your child’s new dentist might need.

As your family dentist, we are invested in your child’s dental care. We want to make certain that they continue to receive outstanding dental care. Our doors are always open and we welcome you anytime you wish to return.

How Much Do Braces Cost For Children?

Damon Braces
Damon braces use clear, sliding brackets. The average cost of Damon Braces is generally higher, but can often shorten the length of time required to complete orthodontic treatment.

Lingual Braces
Lingual braces work very similar to traditional metal ones, but for the exception that they are attached to the backs of teeth. This form of orthodontic treatment is popular because they are much less visible behind the teeth.

Average Cost of Braces By Type Nationwide

Average Cost For Braces For Adults Vs Children

Cost For Braces With Insurance Vs. Out of Pocket

How Will I Pay For My Childs Braces?

It’s important to discuss finances with your orthodontist so that treatment can stay within an acceptable budget. The cost for orthodontic treatment shouldn’t be out of reach with a little planning ahead of time and the right financing, a beautiful smile is achievable at nearly any budget.

Preparing Your Child’s Mouth For Orthodontic Treatment

The treatment plan we develop for your child will revolve around what type they will be getting and the overall condition of your child’s dental hygiene and teeth before hand. Sometimes children may need teeth extracted to make enough room for other teeth. Others may need a palatal expander before braces are an option. Factoring in any additional required procedures will ultimately factor into the overall cost of treatment.

How Long Will My Child Need To Wear Braces?

One frequent question we get asked is “How long does my child have to wear braces?“. Most children will typically wear them for a year or two to correct alignment issues. The overall status and arrangement of your child’s teeth and bite will factor into how long they need to wear them. Most children wear braces around 18 to 24 months.

Dental Hygiene Considerations

It’s important to note that the overall status of your child’s dental hygiene will factor heavily into how much treatment ultimately costs. It’s important that kids maintain good oral hygiene, but it gets even harder to achieve once a child has braces. Kids that already practice good dental habits and brush carefully, will benefit from orthodontic treatment. Children who are more lax with their dental hygiene may be prone to tooth decay, infections, gum disease. Having braces requires meticulous cleaning and good oral hygiene habits.

Here’s a couple of ways your child can keep their teeth clean before they have their orthodontic treatment.

• Brush and floss teeth at least twice a day
• Avoid candy and sugary drinks
• Get regular checkups

Cost of Dental Visits

The cost of your childs treatment and the frequency of checkups will revolve around the overall status of their teeth and the course of treatment involved. How much each visit will cost depends on your insurance coverage. To factor in the total cost, ask your Orthodontist for an estimate of the number of checkups required during treatment and multiply by the average cost per visit.

Other Financial Considerations

Insurance and FSA

Most insurance plans will cover up to $3,500 of your child’s orthodontic care. The amount you pay for copays and deductibles, max coverage amount, will also factor into how much you wind up paying out of pocket. A flexible savings account (FSA) can be used to cover up to $2,550. It’s important to discuss these options with your Orthodontist ahead of time to see which procedures and types of braces are covered under insurance and FSA.

Payment Plans

Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics provides flexible payment plans for braces. If you’d like to discuss a financing plan and how to pay for your child’s orthodontic care, please call or email and we’d be happy to discuss options with you over the phone.

Dental Questions To Ask Your Childs Dentist

In this article we cover the top 10 questions to ask your childs dentist. Incidentally they are also some of the most common questions pediatric dentists get asked. Our pediatric dental office receives questions all the time from parents. In many cases, parents are seeing a pediatric dentist for the very first time and don’t know the right questions to even ask.

It’s Normal For Parents To Ask Questions

It’s normal that parents have questions for their childs dentist. The uncertainty of not knowing can keep you up at night. Knowing a problem exists gives parents the power to get ahead of dental issues before they become serious problems. Questions pertaining to dental care and hygiene are quite common. We provide answers to some of the most common questions parents ask their childs dentist.

Most Common Questions Parents Ask The Dentist

It’s common to have questions for your child’s dentist. So watch this helpful video that discusses the most common questions parents ask the dentist. You’ll be better prepared for your childs next dental visit and know just what to ask to keep your child’s good dental hygiene on track.

Top 10 Questions Parents Ask The Dentist

1. What Toothpaste Should My Child Be Using and How Much?
2. Will You Show My Child How To Brush Their Teeth?
3. When Should My Child’s Baby Teeth Come In?
4. When Should My Child Begin Flossing?
5. How Do I Get My Child To Stop Sucking Their Thumb?
6. When Should My Child Have Their First X-Ray?
7. When Should My Child Start Using a Fluoride Toothpaste & Mouthwash?
8. Does my child have shark teeth, what are they?
9. What Do I Do If My Child Has A Chipped Tooth?
10. Is There Enough Space In My Child’s Mouth For Adult Teeth?

How Much Does a Pediatric Dentist Cost?

A popular misconception is that a pediatric dentist will cost much more than a general dentist. While it’s true that Pediatric Dentists may charge more than a regular dentist, the prices are not vastly different. Pediatric Dentists charge almost the same amount as a regular dentist. There are many reasons why you should consider a Pediatric Dentist for your child rather than a regular dentist. How much a pediatric dentist costs however, should not be a factor.

According to DentalPlans.com the average cost per child is $65 to $100 per child per checkup without dental insurance. Children should have a dental checkup twice a year.

Quick Math for a family with 2 children: $82.50 per child x 2 children x 2 times a year = $330 per year. This can really begin to add up the more children you have. Luckily we provide payment plans and offer flexible payment terms for our patients without dental insurance.

For most parents that have dental insurance for their children, the amount a pediatric dentist costs will simply be the co-pay (if applicable) of their insurance deductible.

Why A Pediatric Dentist Can Be Worth Every Penny

Children can be notoriously difficult to manage in the dentist chair, even for seasoned veteran dentists.  Many general dentists primarily specialize in adult dental issues, and as such don’t have the disposition to deal with children. A pediatric dentist has experience and training necessary to put children at ease.

If a Pediatric Dentist Cost is Almost Equal To A Regular Dentist, It Should Be A No Brainer.

A dentist that specializes in children is used to dealing with patients with special needs, infants, and toddlers especially can be difficult dental patients. If you are considering whether or not a pediatric dentist is worth it, consider that establishing a good report with the patient and putting them at ease has tremendous value. Childrens dentists are also more specialized to deal with childrens dental issues.

How To Keep Dentist Costs Down

1. Schedule regular checkups – seeing a dentist twice a year is a small price to pay compared to paying for complicated dental procedures.
2. Practice good dental habits with your children at home like brushing regularly and flossing.
3. Keep your kids away from sugary drinks and sweets like candy, encourage brushing after indulging.
4. Purchase affordable dental coverage. If you have a large family the cost savings could be substantial.

How Much Will It Cost To Send My Child To The Dentist Each Year?

According to the American Dental Association, many parents will wind up paying out of pocket for their childrens dental care. The American Dental Association says that over 42.5% of Americans will forego dental insurance for their children.

The average yearly deductible amount paid for children ages 1 through 6 was $257 per year. For children ages 7 through 12 the average amount spent on yearly deductibles per child was $828 and for ages 13 through 18 that figure crept up another $100 to $928. These averages calculate routine visits, fillings, xrays, and many preventative treatments children would need between the ages of 1 through 18 years of age.

In Woodbridge, Dale City and Burke Virginia these prices are on par with what the rest of the country is charging.

What If I Don’t Have Dental Insurance?

Not to worry. Our office offers flexible payment terms and easy credit options for patients who do not have dental insurance or who need to supplement their dental insurance. We also accept cash, credit cards and personal checks.

Should I Get Dental Sealant for My Childs Teeth?

Toothbrushing Can’t Reach Everything a Dental Sealant Can

Even if you are meticulous are brushing and flossing, food particles and plaque can still cling to the surfaces of teeth. Toothbrush bristles can’t quite reach into the grooves and deep pits to extract leftover food and plaque that can cause cavities. A dental sealant will protect any exposed areas vulnerable to debris by “sealing” the tooth from harmful bacteria.

Is A Dental Sealant Right For My Child?

It’s easy to apply dental sealants to your child’s teeth. A pediatric dentist will paint the dental sealant directly onto the tooth enamel, where it bond and quickly harden to form a protective barrier. As the sealant resin bonds into the pits and fissures it will seal the chewing surfaces of back teeth.

Once your childs dentist applies a the sealant it will bond fast and seal each tooth from plaque and acids. As long as the dental sealant is intact, the surfaces of the tooth will be shielded from tooth decay. Dental sealants are amazingly resilient. Sealants hold up well under the pressure of daily chewing and typically last for years before needing to be reapplied. Your child’s dentist will perform regular evaluations of the overall condition of the sealant during their regular checkups.

Adults Can Benefit From Dental Sealants Too

Children aren’t the only ones that can benefit from dental sealants. Decay forms in the depressions and grooves of teens and adults as well. It’s recommended that adults with healthy teeth without signs of decay have them sealed from developing cavities as well.

Many Parents Ask – Are Dental Sealants Safe For My Child?

There is zero scientific evidence to demonstrate that dental sealants are associated with any adverse health effects whatsoever. Dental sealants are 100% safe for your child. In fact, you will prevent your child from developing harmful bacteria and better protect their health by getting sealants for their teeth. So again 100%, you should get a dental sealant done on each tooth in your childs mouth.

How To Prevent Tooth Decay From Forming:

• Brush at least two times a day with an toothpaste containing fluoride
• Floss regularly between the the teeth to remove leftover food particles and plaque
• Eat a balanced diet and limit intake of sweets
• Get regular dental checkups

Ask your childs dentist about whether dental sealants will help your child prevent tooth decay.

Where Can I Get Dental Sealants For My Child In Virginia?

Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics performs dental sealants in our 3 offices in Woodbridge, Burke, and Dale City. Schedule a dental sealant procedure for your child today!

Your children go to school and you go to work. You’re busy preparing dinner and they’re the ones that get to sit down and enjoy it. Parents and children do things differently, but does it makes perfect sense that they should see different dentists? Here are a few reasons why parents may prefer to send their child to a pediatric dentist vs. a dentist that mostly specializes in adults.

Kids Dentist vs. General Dentist

• Special Training For Children: Pediatric dentists have 2-3 years additional training immediately following dental school. This specialized schooling focuses on child psychology and early development of teeth and jaws. They know what to look for and can spot abnormalities in your child’s dental development quickly.
• Patients: General dentists treat patients of all ages, while pediatric dentists normally focus and specialize in children.
• Experience: Because pediatric dentists work almost exclusively with younger patients, they’re often more skilled at interacting with infants and kids with special needs. They’re also able to provide advice in the early development of children and can reinforce breaking bad habits like thumb sucking and pacifier use.

Here’s the good news, you don’t need to see 2 different dentists.

• …we treat children AND adults. Pediatric dental offices are designed with kids in mind but our dental clinic services adults too.
• …we are a family dentist so that means you and your kids can both see the same dentist which is super convenient to parents.

Wait a sec, I thought Pediatric Dental offices only dealt with children…

Normally they do, but our dental clinic is a little different. All of our dentists are qualified and specially trained to offer dental services to children of all ages. They can provide dental care for infants and special needs children as well, but in addition – we also treat adult patients as well. So if Dad needs a cleaning and Junior needs a cavity filled, no big deal – you can rest assured that both will receive outstanding dental care under one roof.

Still debating on a Kids Dentist vs a General Dentist?

Ask your child’s pediatrician for recommendations and they’ll tell you the same. Your child will feel immediately at ease with our kid-friendly staff. Our dental offices are located in Burke, Woodbridge, and Dale City. We deal with more major insurance providers and offer payment plans as well.

When scheduling a dentist visit for your child, many times your child might just need a checkup and cleaning. Occassionally, a thorough examination will involve performing a dental xray of your child’s teeth. Dentist’s use -rays for the purposes of taking images of the teeth and bones. The entire procedure is normal for adults but can seem a little scary to small children and even older kids. We wrote this article to educate parents that dental xrays performed in a dentist office are safe and provide valuable information to the dentist about the status of your child’s teeth.

X-Rays Are An Important Part Of Your Child’s Dental Health

An x-ray can appear to be intimidating and scary, especially for a child. It’s important to consider that x-rays are an integral part of dental health, and occassionally a necessary component of your child’s dental examination. We use dental x-rays to take pictures of the gums, bones, and teeth. X-rays are necessary to allow us to see teeth in a way that we can’t merely with a simple visual inspection.

What Will My Child’s Dental X-Ray’s Show?

The X-Ray enables us to see hidden cavities, check on the overall status of gum health, and ensure that your child’s jaws and teeth are developing normal. It’s for this very reason that dental xrays are such an important part of early identifying dental health issues. Childhood is an important time in the development of a child’s teeth, bones, and gums, and quite often sets the stage for their dental health as adults. This is why it’s so important that parent’s have a Pediatric Dentist detect and fix any issues as soon as they arise.

What Dental X-Rays Are And How They Work

How Safe Are My Child’s Dental Xrays?

Rest assured – our office takes every precaution to ensure that your child’s dental x-ray is 100% safe and comfortable. Here at our Burke Pediatric Dentist office, we perform digital x-rays, which are safer and faster than traditional film x-rays. The reason digital dental xrays are safer are because they use less radiation than traditional film xrays and provide computer images that can be easily edited and saved.

Is it normal to feel nervous about my child’s dental x-ray?

It’s completely normal for parents to be concerned with their child’s safety, especially during a procedure like an x-ray. Our dental x-rays are entirely safe and expose your child to 90% less radiation than a traditional film xray. Our Pediatric Dental Hygienist will also fit your child with a lead apron during their imaging to protect their body from any radiation at all. Taking the x-rays does not take long, and we make sure your child is comfortable and feels safe.

Digital X-rays Vs. Traditional Film X-rays

Traditional x-rays use film to capture images of the teeth, and have the same shortcomings as film cameras. Images takes longer to develop, they aren’t always very high-quality, and must be manually be scanned into a computer. Digital x-rays have all the high-tech benefits of using a digital camera. They instantly produce high-resolution digital pictures of your child’s teeth that we can edit and manipulate using our computer software. The images are instantly available on the screen, and we can zoom in or alter the exposure to show us even the smallest problem. Another additional bonus is that we can easily save the images to your electronic patient file. With digital technology, there’s no longer any risk of losing your child’s dental records.

When your child comes in for their digital x-ray, we’ll take a few moments to explain everything that we’re doing in kid-friendly terms. Your child may even enjoy seeing the pictures of their teeth displayed up on the screen!

It’s normal for parents to have questions for their child’s dentist. An adult can ask the dentist important questions during their dental examination but a child doesn’t necessarily have those abilities to communicate during their visit. Frequently the questions parents ask pediatric dentists the most have to do with oral hygiene, how to prevent cavities, or whether it’s time for braces.

It’s Normal For Parents To Ask The Dentist Questions

Communication between doctor and patient is vital. As your child’s care provider it’s important that you know the right questions to ask during their dental exam. Over the years we’ve answered countless questions. We’ve comprised a list of the most frequently asked questions our Pediatric Dental Office has been asked.

Top Questions Pediatric Dentists Get Asked

1. When should my child first see a dentist? This is probably the most popular question pediatric dentists get asked on a day-to-day basis. The most common time to bring a child for their first dental visit is when their first tooth erupts. It’s important to create regular dental habits as early as possible.
2. What should I expect from my child’s first dental visit? Typically, on your child’s first visit to the dentist, the dentist will perform a brief examination of the teeth, gums, jaws, and then apply a fluoride varnish. The dentist will also work on getting your child to feel safe & comfortable sitting in the dentist’s chair.
3. Do baby teeth matter if they’re only going to fall out anyway? This question we hear alot. What’s the reason for putting so much effort into taking care of baby teeth when they’re only going to fall out? Baby teeth matter just as much as adult teeth because they pave the way for how teeth will form in adulthood. How you care for your child’s baby teeth can have a long-lasting impact on their adult teeth.
4. Should my child get braces? It seems like many children these days have braces, and if yours doesn’t, you’re probably wondering whether or not there is some sort of requirement. Luckily enough, it’s not required that you get braces for your child. However, if you’re concerned that their teeth aren’t growing in correctly, it might be time for an orthodontic consultation.
5. Should you brush your child’s teeth? In short, yes! As explained in the previous question, baby teeth are important and taking care of them encourages good dental habits in your child’s life that will last a lifetime.
6. Are x-rays safe for my child? X-rays are a routine part of dental visits for adults, but with exposing a child to radiation, this makes it a valid question a completely normal concern for parents. Rest assured, the risks associated with this very small amount of radiation are non-existent. Our office uses digital xrays which are safer than traditional xrays.
7. How do you change your child’s diet to conform to good oral health? The way that we eat greatly impacts our oral health, and the same holds true for our children. To encourage the right dental habits, make certain your child eats a healthy, balanced diet. Limit their intake of sugary drinks and snacks, as these substances most commonly promote tooth decay.
8. Should you consider sedation dentistry for your child? Occasionally children are very anxious and terrified of going to the dentist. We’ve seen this kind of dental phobia or anxiety, even many adults suffer from it. Sedation dentistry is an option to consider in order to calm your child’s nerves. Consult with your dentist first if you feel this may be a factor in your child’s care.
9. What should you do if your child has a toothache? Children rough house and play. If your child is school age, they’ll frequently get bumps and bruises, that don’t require seeing a doctor. However, if your child complains of a toothache, you should try to set up an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. For pain management until you can see a dentist, give your child acetaminophen. You should also rinse the area with warm salt water.
10. How can parents prevent tooth decay? As parents, we all want what’s best for our children, so we understand that you want advice on the best way to take care of your child’s teeth. One of the best things you can do is to demonstrate regular, healthy dental habits, and promote the example setting the standard. And, off course, don’t forget to schedule regular dental appointments for cleanings and checkups.

For more answers to questions and topics about Children’s Dental Health & Pediatric Dentistry, visit our pediatric dentistry blog>.

Dental Sealants for Children

If you’ve been wondering whether you should get dental sealants for your child, the answer is emphatically – yes! Sealants are a fast and efficient method of protecting your child’s teeth. The applied sealant acts as a barrier to prevent cavities from forming on vulnerable areas of the tooth. A Pediatric Dentist will often dental sealant to the chewing surfaces of a child’s back teeth. The sealant will form a cover over the deep pits and grooves of the child’s teeth. Children with baby teeth as well as permanent adult teeth can benefit from having a dental sealant applied.

Brushing Can’t Reach Everything

Even if your child is practicing good brushing and flossing habits the toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into those deep pits and grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants help protect these vulnerable areas where plaque and food settle in and form cavities.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

A dental sealants is easy for one of our pediatric dentists to apply. The dentist brushes the sealant onto the tooth enamel, where it quickly bonds to the tooth and hardens. This plastic sealant resin bonds onto the depressions and grooves (fissures and pits) of the teeth’s chewing surface. The sealant acts as a barrier and protects tooth enamel from plaque and acids.  During your regular dental visits, your pediatric dentist will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them when necessary.

The likelihood of developing fissure and pit decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are prime candidates. Adults can benefit from sealants as well.

Are Sealants Safe For My Child?

They are 100% safe (unless your child has some sort of allergy). In regards to questions about BPA, the amount in dental sealants is less than 0.0001% which is less than touching a receipt or household dust.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and may last several years before a reapplication is needed.

Do Dental Sealants Hurt?

No, getting dental sealants doesn’t hurt for the patient. In fact, it’s a quick and painless process. Your child’s Pediatric dentist will clean and dry their teeth before placing an acidic gel on their teeth. This gel serves to roughen the tooth surface so that a strong bond may form between the teeth and the sealant. The dentist will then rinse off the gel n before applying the sealant onto the grooves of the teeth. Your dentist will then use a special blue light which hardens the sealant.

Are Dental Sealants Expensive?

They are inexpensive in comparison to other restorative procedures such as fixing a cavity, performing a root canal or putting on a crown. Many insurance companies cover sealant procedures as they are looked at as preventative treatment. They are a low cost alternative to costly dental treatments due to decay and will help better protect your child’s teeth from cavities.