X-rays are an essential tool to any dental care treatment plan. They are both diagnostic and preventive because through x-rays, dentists can see potential oral care issues and treat it before it becomes a major problem. Furthering technology has allowed for digital x-rays to replace the previous standard in x-rays, film-based x-rays. Digital x-rays are very safe and expose your children to minimal radiation due to the fact that it allows practitioners to be much more targeted. Studies have shown that the use of Digital x-rays reduces exposure to radiation by as much as 80%.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child go to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts.
Primary teeth have many important functions. They help the child to speak clearly, chew properly and thoroughly and they serve as a placeholder and guide for adult teeth to follow when they are ready to erupt.
Taking care of baby teeth is extremely important. If your child has a cavity on a baby tooth it is important to take a proactive approach so the decay does not spread. If you do not get a filling, the cavity will get larger and can lead to an abscess or tooth infection. The tooth will then need to be extracted and a spaced maintainer will be placed.
Fluoride is an important part of a dental treatment plan because it can actually reverse early tooth decay. Fluoride makes the tooth more resistant to tooth decay by blocking acid attacks from plaque and sugars in the mouth.
Sealants are clear plastic that is applied to the tooth to help keep them cavity free. Sealants fill the grooved and pitted areas of the teeth that are hard to clean and prevent food particles from getting stuck in there, causing cavities. The application is fast, east and comfortable and can protect the teeth for many years.
Diet and regular dental checkups are the two most important ways to ensure healthy gums and teeth. A healthy diet is a balanced diet. It is very important to limit the amount of starches and sugars to prevent tooth decay. Please feel free to ask us at your next visit for some healthy diet tips and snack examples.
Pediatric Dentists have advanced dental education and experience in oral health and child behavior. They dedicate their practice to the diagnosis and treatment of children, including those with special needs. After obtaining a Dental Degree, a Pediatric dentist completes a residency that solely focuses on children where they learn about kid-specific issues such as sedatives specifically for children, treating children under general anesthesia and “behavior guidance,” which focuses on winning patients’ trust and adapting to a child’s behavior.
You can protect your child’s teeth during sporting event by requiring them to wear a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect their teeth, gums, lips and cheeks. Our custom mouthguards are developed from a mold of your child’s mouth and made from a soft plastic that will protect your child from injuries to the teeth, face and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.
In such an event, it is most important to stay calm. Then find the tooth. Once the tooth is found hold it by the crown rather than the root and try to reinsert it in the socket. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk and take your child and the glass immediately to the pediatric dentist. If a glass of milk is not available, you can have the child spit into a container and place the tooth in the saliva or have the child hold the tooth under their tongue if you do not believe it will be a choking hazard. If the office is closed, call our emergency number at 716-868-2121.
If this occurs, it is important to stay calm. Do not reinsert the baby tooth because you may cause further damage. Call our office right away at 716-648-2020 and get in to see Dr. Barb as soon as possible. If our office is closed, please call our emergency number at 716-868-2121.
If your child chips or fractures their tooth it is important to be seen by a Pediatric Dentist right away in order to try and save the tooth, prevent infection and further damage. If you have the broken tooth fragment, please place the fragment in a glass of cold milk and bring it with you to your appointment. If a glass of milk is not available, you can have the child spit into a container and place the tooth in the saliva or have the child hold the tooth under their tongue if you do not believe it will be a choking hazard.