~Clinical FAQs~

 A childs first dental experience is an important one.   This visit provides time-critical opportunities to begin a preventive oral health program.  It also educates the child and the parent to the benifits of good oral hygiene and denal care.

When should my child first see a dentist?
Typically Dr. Mike wants to see kids for their first appointment when parents feel their child is ready.  We see pt.'s as young as one if needed.   

How can I prevent tooth decay from a bottle or nursing?
Baby bottle tooth decay, also known as nursing caries, is a big concern for many babies. Baby-bottle tooth decay occurs when a child falls asleep with a bottle of milk or sweet juice in the mouth. That is why we encourage your child to drink from a cup by the first birthday. Children should also be weaned from the bottle by 12 months of age.
 
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?
Pediatric dentists are specialists in treating the dental health of children and patients with special needs. They are also referred to as the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has up to three years of specialty training beyond that of a general dentist. Pediatric dentists focus on the oral health and unique needs of infants and children through adolescence. When the child graduates from high school, the child also graduates from the pediatric dentist.
 
What about thumb sucking or using a pacifier?
For infants, sucking is a normal habit that provides security, however, it is a good idea to discourage it by the age of two years old. If your child continues to suck the thumb or use a pacifier while the teeth are growing, it can create bite problems, or crowded, crooked teeth. Dr. Mike can encourage your child to stop sucking the thumb or pacifier during a visit. Coupled with support from you, this encouragement can be very effective in helping your child stop.
 
What should I do if my child has a toothache?
For any pain, give the child acetaminophen, such as Tylenol. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area. As soon as possible, call the doctor.
 
What should I do if my child 's tooth is knocked out?
Call the doctor immediately. The most important thing is to find the tooth. Hold it by the crown rather than the root and rinse it gently in cool water. If possible, try to put the tooth back into your child's socket and hold it there with a wash cloth or clean gauze. If it isn't possible to place the tooth back in the mouth, put it in a clean container with milk, saliva, or water. Then get to the doctors office right away. The faster you act, the better chance you have of saving the tooth.
 
What if my child receives a jaw fracture of a severe blow to the head?
This can be a life-threatening situation. Immediately go the emergency room of your local hospital.
 
Can we prevent dental injuries?
Mouthguards in sports are excellent for preventing dental injuries. Dr. Mike and staff can create a custom-fitted soft plastic mouthguard for your child to be used to protect the child's teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums from a sport-related injury. To prevent other injuries, always use a car seat for your children and seatbelts for everyone else in the car. Be sure to child-proof your home to prevent choking on small objects, electrical injuries, or to prevent falls. To prevent unnecessary toothaches, bring your child for regular dental visits.
 
How often should my child see the pediatric dentist?
To prevent cavities and other dental problems a check-up every six months is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Teeth cleanings remove debris that builds up on the teeth, irritates gums and causes decay. Fluoride treatments renew the fluoride content in the enamel, strengthening teeth and preventing cavities. The doctor will tell you when and how often your child should visit based on his or her personal oral health.
 
What are sealants and how do they work?
Sealants are made of clear or shaded plastic and they are applied to the child's teeth to help keep them cavity-free. They protect the grooved and pitted surfaces of the teeth, especially the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities in children are formed. The sealants shut out food particles and bacteria that could get caught in the grooves of the back teeth.
 
Their application is quick and comfortable, and it only takes one visit. First the doctor cleans the tooth, then conditions and dries it. Then he flows the sealant onto the grooves of the tooth and allows it to harden with a special light. Your child can eat right after the appointtnent. If properly cared for, research shows that sealants can last for several years.