Pediatric Dentistry Question and Answer with Dr. Kelsey Brar, DMD, MS, MPH
1. How is a pediatric dentist different from a general or family dentist?
A pediatric dentist specializes in dentistry for children and completes 2-3 years of pediatric dentistry residency after completion of dental school. Pediatric dentists are educated and trained to ensure that your child has a positive and stress free experience. We also specialize in diagnosing, treating and managing conditions particular to children.
2. When should my child see a pediatric dentist for the first time?
Your child’s first dental visit should take place after the first tooth appears, but no later than his or her first birthday. This is the recommendation of The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. I also recommend seeing your child every 6 months thereafter to maintain your child’s dental and oral health.
3. What should I expect during my child’s first dental visit?
At your child’s first dental visit, we will discuss brushing, eating and drinking habits. I will answer any questions that you have regarding your child’s oral health and evaluate his/her growth and development. We will brush your child’s teeth and place Fluoride varnish with your permission to make your little one’s teeth stronger and more resistant to cavities.
4. Is Fluoride safe for my child?
The use of Fluoride for the prevention and control of dental decay is proven to be both safe and effective. Fluoride inhibits loss of minerals from tooth enamel and encourages remineralization to keep your child’s teeth healthy and cavity free
5. Are x-rays safe for my child?
We are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of children to radiation. Here at Band & Wire we have invested in the most advanced and safest digital x-ray system available. We have also incorporated contemporary safeguards in our office to ensure the amount of radiation your child receives is insignificant.
In fact, dental x-rays represent a far smaller risk than undetected and untreated dental problems. For example if your child has a small cavity that remains undiagnosed because an x-ray was not taken, this cavity will ultimately grow which may require more involved treatment or possibly cause tooth loss.
6. Do baby teeth matter if they are going to fall out anyway?
Baby teeth are in your child’s mouth until they are 12 or 13 years old they also set the foundation for adult teeth. Therefore, it is important baby teeth are kept clean and cavity free. Baby teeth are also important to ensure that adult teeth come into the proper position and minimize future orthodontic problems.
7. How can I prevent tooth decay?
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood, but it is preventable. The American Academy of Pediatric dentistry recommends preventing tooth decay by taking your child to a dentist by age one, using Fluoride toothpaste, drinking water with Fluoride, practicing good oral hygiene and limiting the frequency of snacking, which can increase a child’s risk of developing cavities.
8. What are dental sealants and are they a good option for my child?
We recommend dental sealants for children that have deep grooves and pits on their permanent molars. Even if your child brushes and flosses regularly, it can be incredibly challenging to clean the tiny groves and pits on these teeth. Food and bacteria build up in these areas, placing your child in danger of tooth decay. Sealants “seal out” food, bacteria and plaque, which reduces the risk of tooth decay.
9. What should I do if my child has a toothache?
If your child has a toothache call us immediately to have him or her evaluated. Cavities in baby teeth can spread quickly and cause infections. Therefore, it is important to act when your child complains of a toothache. While waiting for your dental appointment you can give your child over-the-counter pain medication such as children’s Tylenol or children’s Motrin.
10. What if my child is nervous to visit the dentist?
We at Band & Wire completely understand a child’s first visit may be scary. We welcome you and your child with a friendly and experienced staff, allow mom or dad to stay close by with our open floor plan, provide entertainment with ceiling TVs and last but not least offer your child a choice of reward from our touch-free treasure chest. We promise you and your child an exceptional, positive and memorable experience.
11. When should my child get checked for braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommend that all kids should have a check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7. At this appointment, Dr. Ramzi or Dr. Oweis will be able to determine if an orthodontic problem exists or is developing. Here at Band & Wire Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry we work closely to monitor the growth and development of your child’s jaws to ensure that your child gets the orthodontic care that they need at the right time. This is one of the major advantages of choosing an office that offers both specialties under the same roof.
This post is sponsored by Band and Wire.
Opinions in this article do not reflect those of The Local Moms Network. As a reminder, I am not a medical professional and all medical care should be at the direction of a medical professional. The Hinsdale Area Moms Network does not endorse any specific business listed on this site. The information contained on thehinsdaleareamoms.com is for general information purposes only.