Question 1

What is a pediatric dentist and why should my child see a pediatric dentist?

Accepted Answer

A pediatric dentist is a dentist for pediatric patients, similiar to a pediatrician.  A pediatric dentist has received an extra 2-3 years of specialized training beyond dental school.  A pediatric dentist provides all aspect of dentistry to the pediatric and special needs population.

Question 2

What is the typical process for working with a new patient?

Accepted Answer

Before even seeing the patient, our front desk coordinator gathers some important information such as the reason they are seeking care here. Is it anxiety or behavior related? Having that information helps to know how to approach the patient and how to discuss the patient's first appointment here. Each patient is treated as an individual with individual needs.

Question 3

What treatment are you most excited to offer?

Accepted Answer

SDF, Silver Diamine Fluoride, is a material recommended towards the approach of non-invasive dentistry.  It is a simple application that can be applied to small carious lesions to help defer treatment in the very young, pre-cooperative and special needs population until the time that they can tolerate a tradiational restorative procedure.

Question 4

At what age can my child brush and floss by him/herself?

Accepted Answer

Studies indicate that most children can start to brush independently by age 7 or 8.  Flossing requires a lot more dexterity and children need help with flossing until age 11 or 12.

Question 5

How often should a child brush and floss?

Accepted Answer

You should help your child brush twice a day (morning and evening) and floss daily. Flossing is dependent on position of teeth and not age. If the child does not have spacing between teeth/two adjacent teeth touch, then the child needs to be flossed.

Question 6

What should I do to keep my child's teeth healthy and cavity free?

Accepted Answer

Aside from brushing and flossing as recommended, diet and frequency of eating also plays a significant role.  The child should refrain from eating sweet sticky floods (gummy fruit snacks, gummy vitamins, raisins, chewy candies, etc...) and limiting intake of juice. Even organic juice and 100% fruit juice contains a lot of sugar. Encourage fresh fruit for your child. The frequency a child eats also plays an important role in dental health.  The best routine is 3 healthy meals and if snacking, then mid-morning and mid-afternoon.  The child should avoid grazing on food all day.

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