What is a Pediatric Dentist?
A Pediatric Dentist is a specialist who has gain expertise in treating infants, children and adolescents. Pediatric dentists, or pedodontists as they used to be called, limit their practice to the treatment of children.

When should my child have his/her first visit?
It is recommend that every child have his or her first dental visit within six months of eruption of the first tooth, or by age one.

What should I expect on our first visit for my infant/toddler?
You will receive information about the cavity process, as well as information about proper care of the teeth in order to prevent cavities.

It is normal for young children to occasionally cry at their first dental examination. Crying is simply an age appropriate response to a new situation with new faces. As you continue to bring your child in regularly each six months he will grow accustomed to the routine and will be hopping into the dental chair.

Are baby teeth important?
Are important to maintain in the mouth until they fall out naturally. The last baby tooth usually does not fall out until 11-13 years of age. If they are lost prematurely it can lead to problems with alignment of the adult teeth.

What should I do if my child has an accident involving his/her teeth?
Baby teeth: If a baby tooth is knocked out it is not re-implanted. If it is knocked loose, it is usually observed for signs of nerve death and infection. If it is fractured, treatment depends on the degree of fracture.

Adult Teeth: If an adult tooth is knocked out gently rinse it under cold water if there is visible debris on it. If it is knocked loose, it is often splinted to the adjacent teeth and observed for signs of nerve death and infection. If an adult tooth is fractured, treatment depends on the degree of fracture.

What causes cavities?
Bacteria. The transmission usually occurs within the first year of life when parents share utensils with their children.

What is a Space Maintainer?
Holds space open for the permanent tooth when the baby tooth has been lost or removed prematurely.
Early Infant/Toddler Care:

When and how should I start cleaning my baby's mouth?
After each feeding even before the first teeth erupt. Once there are teeth you can use any soft bristled infant brush with a small head.

When will my baby start getting teeth?
The first baby teeth usually erupt by 6 months of age. The last of the 20 baby teeth are usually in by 2 ½-3 years of age.

When should my child be weaned from the bottle?
Should stop at 12-14 months.

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Early Childhood Caries?
Are cavities with occur in a predictable pattern on the teeth of infants and toddlers.
Prevention:

When should I start brushing and flossing my child's teeth?
Once the teeth begin to come in, you can use a soft bristled toothbrush with a small head. Flossing should begin once any two adjacent teeth touch one another.

Is juice safe for my child's teeth?
Juice is not harmful to the teeth if given in moderation. It is best to give juice no more than 1x to 2x per day.

What kinds of snacks are good for my child's teeth?
Snacks that are low in carbohydrates are safe for the teeth. Cheese, fresh fruit, unsweetened nuts, and luncheon meat are examples of snacks that are not damaging to the teeth.

Sealants
Sealants are a protective plastic coating placed on the chewing surface of molars to prevent decay from occurring in the deep pits and fissures of the tooth.

Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen teeth. It can be given systemically (swallowed) or can be given topically (toothpaste, fluoride mouth rinses, professionally applied at the dentist). Fluorosis is a condition in which white or brown spots appear on the adult teeth. To prevent fluorosis, it is best not to use fluoridated toothpaste until your child can spit.

Xylitol
Xylitol is a naturally derived sugar substitute that has been shown to have antibacterial properties. Xylitol gum, mints, toothpaste and mouthrinses can be a part of a cavity prevention program.
Adolescent Issues:

Tongue Piercing
There are many risks involved with oral piercings including chipped or cracked teeth, blood clots, or blood poisoning.

Tobacco
Tobacco in any form can cause irreversible damage. Smokeless tobacco, also called spit, chew or snuff, is often used by teens who believe that it is safer than smoking cigarettes. Smokeless tobacco use can cause periodontal disease and produce pre-cancerous lesions in as little as a few months.
Post Operative Care:

Care of the Mouth after Local Anesthetic (numbing)
After numbing the upper teeth, the teeth, gums, cheeks, and lips will be numb for around one hour after treatment. After numbing the lower teeth, the teeth, tongue, cheeks and lips will be numb for two to three hours after treatment.
Often children do not understand the effects of local anesthesia, and may chew, scratch or play with the numb lip, tongue or cheek. Watch your child carefully for the duration of the anesthetic.

Your child will benefit from an appropriate dosage of ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). If taken prior to appointment, take again as recommended by the directions. If no Tylenol or Motrin was taken prior to treatment, give appropriate dosage as soon as possible after the appointment.

Care of the Mouth after Extractions
Do not let your child scratch, chew, suck, or rub the lips, tongue, or cheek while they feel numb or asleep. Watch your child carefully for the duration of the anesthetic.

Do not use a straw, go swimming, or rinse the mouth forcefully for two days.
Keep fingers and tongue away from the extraction area. Keep the rest of the mouth clean with regular brushing and flossing in order to keep bacterial levels low in the mouth. This will promote quicker healing.

Bleeding - If unusual or sustained bleeding occurs, place cotton gauze firmly over the extraction area and bite down or hold in place for fifteen minutes.

For discomfort use ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed for the age of your child.