Pediatric Dentistry

The primary difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist is that pediatric dentists specialize in providing dental care exclusively for infants, children, and adolescents. They undergo additional years of training beyond dental school to both understand the unique oral health needs of young patients and develop the necessary skills for overseeing their dental care. Pediatric dentists are experts in child behavior management, preventive techniques specific to children, and addressing the developmental changes that occur in the oral cavity as children grow.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommends that parents bring their children in to see a pediatric dentist within the first six months after the first tooth erupts, but no later than age one.

This early introduction to dental care plays a vital role in establishing a strong foundation for lifelong oral health. Parents can also receive valuable guidance regarding oral hygiene practices, nutrition, preventive measures, etc.

Start by discussing the upcoming dental visit with your child in a positive and reassuring manner. Explain that the dentist is a friendly and caring person who helps keep their teeth healthy and strong. Promote good oral hygiene habits by brushing your teeth alongside your child. This allows them to observe and learn from you while you explain the significance of maintaining clean and healthy teeth.

You can also read children’s books or watch videos about visiting the dentist and role play the visit to familiarize them with the experience! Our favorite is “Daniel Goes to the Dentist.” Little Smiles offers the option to schedule a chair ride, allowing your child to see and familiarize themselves with the environment before their actual appointment.

During your child’s dental visit, be a source of positivity and support. Provide reassurance and acknowledge their bravery throughout the appointment. For children aged five and below, consider scheduling morning appointments as they tend to be more positive, alert, and receptive during this time of the day.

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Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, play a crucial role in a child’s overall development and oral health. Although they are temporary, baby teeth aid in the proper development of speech, allowing children to articulate sounds and words effectively. These tiny teeth also help children chew and digest food properly and serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth, guiding them into their proper positions. Premature loss or decay of baby teeth can lead to misalignment or crowding issues when permanent teeth erupt.

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Thumb sucking is an incredibly common behavior among young children, providing them with a sense of comfort and security. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential effects it can have on dental health. Prolonged thumb sucking can cause the upper front teeth to protrude or the lower teeth to tilt backward, resulting in bite problems such as an overbite or open bite. The growth of the jaws can also be affected.

Addressing thumb sucking at an early stage is crucial in supporting your child’s long-term dental health and promoting proper oral development. We understand that breaking this habit can be challenging, but rest assured that our team of talented pediatric dentists at Little Smiles is here every step of the way! We encourage the use of alternative coping mechanisms, such as hugging a stuffed animal, offering gentle reminders, and seeking guidance from our experienced professionals to help your child overcome this habit.

According to the CDC’s guidelines, it is recommended to introduce fluoride toothpaste to your child(ren) when they are around two years old. For children under three years, use a small smear the size of a rice grain, while children over three years should use a pea-sized amount until they reach six years old. By six, their swallowing reflex should be developed enough to prevent the accidental ingestion of toothpaste.

Here at Smile, we believe that proactive dentistry is the best way to ensure long-term dental health. When you come to us with a problem, we don’t want to “watch it” to see how it progresses and if it grows into a bigger issue. We believe in treating as soon as possible, giving you the best possible care.

Dental sealants are a preventive dental treatment that involve applying a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This creates a barrier that seals off the grooves and pits on the tooth surface, offering protection against sugars, bacteria, and acid that can cause cavities. They can be very beneficial to children with newly erupted permanent teeth, as they are more susceptible to cavities.

Sealing teeth is a quick and painless procedure that involves “painting” the sealant on a cleaned and dried tooth. It can be done during a regular visit to the dentist and does not take a significant amount of time.