Children's Dentistry

Your child should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting—whichever comes first. This early visit allows the dentist to:

1. Check for early signs of dental problems such as cavities or gum issues.
2. Monitor oral development and ensure the teeth and jaw are growing properly.
3. Provide guidance on oral hygiene habits, such as brushing baby teeth and gum care.
4. Address concerns like pacifier use, thumb-sucking, and teething discomfort.
5. Establish a positive relationship between the child and the dental team, which helps reduce anxiety for future visits.

Early visits also emphasize preventive care, setting your child on the path to good oral health from the beginning.

Thumb-sucking and pacifier use are common self-soothing habits, especially in infants and toddlers. While they are usually harmless in the early years, prolonged use can lead to dental and oral development issues.

When is it Not a Problem?

• Infants and young toddlers (under age 3) typically won’t experience long-term effects from occasional thumb-sucking or pacifier use.
• If the habit fades naturally by age 3-4, the teeth and jaw often develop normally.

Tips to Help Stop the Habit

1. Positive Reinforcement: Praise your child for not sucking their thumb or using the pacifier.
2. Limit Pacifier Use Gradually: Restrict it to bedtime or naps only.
3. Offer Comfort Alternatives: Use stuffed animals or blankets for soothing.
4. Explain the “Big Kid” Transition: Make the child feel proud about outgrowing the habit.
5. Consult Mirror Lake Dental: If the habit persists, a dentist can offer tools like thumb guards or behavior guidance.

Yes, baby teeth (primary teeth) are crucial for your child’s overall oral health and development, even though they eventually fall out.

Here are several reasons why baby teeth matter:

1. Guide Permanent Teeth into Position
   • Baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth, helping ensure they grow in the correct alignment.
   • Premature loss of baby teeth can cause neighboring teeth to shift, leading to crowding or misalignment.
2. Support Jaw and Facial Development
   • Chewing with baby teeth stimulates jawbone growth and proper facial structure development.
   • They also maintain space in the mouth, preventing orthodontic issues later.
3. Aid in Speech Development
   • Baby teeth help children learn how to form words correctly by guiding tongue placement.
   • Missing teeth too early can affect pronunciation and lead to speech delays or impediments.
4. Enable Proper Chewing and Nutrition
   • Healthy baby teeth allow children to chew food properly, ensuring they get the nutrition they need for growth and development.
   • Cavities or tooth pain can discourage eating, affecting their diet and health.
5. Build Confidence and Healthy Habits
   • A healthy smile helps children feel confident about their appearance.
   • Caring for baby teeth teaches good oral hygiene habits that will carry over to adult teeth.

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings made of plastic or resin that are applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have deep grooves and pits where food particles and plaque can accumulate, making them more prone to cavities. The sealant forms a smooth barrier that helps keep these areas clean and prevents decay.

Sealants are especially beneficial for children because:

• Molars typically erupt between ages 6 and 12. These new teeth are harder to clean, so adding sealants early helps prevent cavities.
• Children with a history of cavities or difficulty brushing thoroughly may benefit most.

Yes, fluoride is safe for children when used in appropriate amounts. Fluoride plays a key role in strengthening tooth enamel and preventing cavities by making teeth more resistant to decay.

Benefits of Fluoride for Children

1. Prevents Tooth Decay
   • Fluoride helps remineralize weakened enamel and reverses early signs of decay.
2. Strengthens Developing Teeth
   • Ingested fluoride (from drinking water) strengthens both baby and adult teeth before they emerge.
3. Reduces Need for Costly Treatments
   • With fewer cavities, children are less likely to require fillings or other restorative treatments.

If your child’s teeth are coming in crooked, it’s important to monitor the situation and consult with your dentist or orthodontist as needed. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do and what factors to consider:

1. Don’t Panic – It’s Common

• Baby teeth often come in unevenly or with gaps, which isn’t always a concern.
• As permanent teeth start erupting (usually around age 6-7), things may still look misaligned temporarily. Often, the teeth will shift into better alignment on their own.

2. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

• Regular visits allow the dentist to track your child’s oral development and identify any potential alignment issues early on.
• Your dentist may recommend an early orthodontic evaluation, typically around age 7.

3. Causes of Crooked Teeth

• Genetics: Crowding, overbites, or underbites often run in families.
• Thumb-sucking or pacifier use: Prolonged habits can shift teeth out of position.
• Jaw size mismatch: A smaller jaw may not have enough space for all permanent teeth.
• Early loss of baby teeth: If baby teeth fall out too soon, it can cause adjacent teeth to shift, leading to crooked adult teeth.

4. When to See an Orthodontist

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic consultation around age 7. Early orthodontic treatment (interceptive orthodontics) may help if your child has:

• Crowding or spacing issues
• Overbites, underbites, or crossbites
• Teeth not meeting properly (malocclusion)
• Prolonged thumb-sucking habits affecting alignment

5. Treatment Options for Crooked Teeth

• Space Maintainers: If baby teeth fall out early, space maintainers can prevent shifting.
• Braces: Braces are often recommended between ages 9-14, but early intervention may be needed in severe cases.
• Clear Aligners: Older children and teens may benefit from clear aligners as an alternative to braces.
• Expanders: A palate expander can create more space if the upper jaw is too narrow.

6. Encourage Good Oral Habits

• Monitor thumb-sucking and pacifier use, encouraging your child to stop by age 4.
• Brush and floss regularly to prevent decay, which can complicate orthodontic issues.
• Maintain regular checkups to catch issues early and ensure teeth are developing properly.

7. Be Patient

Teeth can shift naturally over time as your child grows. In some cases, what looks like misalignment early on may correct itself as permanent teeth fully erupt.

It’s common for children to feel anxious about dental visits, but there are several strategies to help them feel more comfortable. Here’s how you can reduce dental anxiety and make their experience more positive:

Start Dental Visits Early

• Schedule the first dental visit by age 1, or when the first tooth appears.
• Early visits help your child get familiar with the dentist and create positive associations.

Use Positive Language

• Avoid using words like “pain,” “needle,” or “drill.” Instead, say things like:
  • “The dentist will count your teeth.”
  • “They’ll give your teeth a shiny clean-up!”
• Stay calm and enthusiastic when talking about the visit.

Role-Play “Dentist” at Home

• Pretend to be the dentist and “examine” your child’s teeth. Let them take turns examining yours too!
• Use a stuffed animal or toy to demonstrate what will happen at the dentist.

Read Books and Watch Videos About Dental Visits

• Children’s books and videos featuring friendly characters visiting the dentist can help them feel prepared and more comfortable.
  • Example books: “The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist” or “Peppa Pig: Dentist Trip.”

Choose a Pediatric Dentist

• Pediatric dentists are trained to work with children and use kid-friendly language and techniques.
• The offices are often designed to be fun, with toys, bright colors, and movies to distract and engage kids.

Bring a Comfort Item

• Allow your child to bring a favorite stuffed toy or blanket for reassurance during the visit.
• Some pediatric dentists may offer small rewards like stickers or toys after the appointment.

Schedule Appointments at the Right Time

• Book appointments early in the day or when your child is well-rested and fed to avoid crankiness.
• Avoid visits when your child is hungry or tired, as this can heighten anxiety.

Stay Calm and Reassuring

• Children pick up on parental emotions. If you stay calm and relaxed, it helps them feel safe.
• Avoid showing your own dental anxieties, as children can sense fear in parents.

Use Positive Reinforcement

• Praise your child for being brave and cooperative, even if they feel nervous.
• Offer a small reward or treat after the visit to make it a positive experience.

Consider Gradual Exposure

• If anxiety is severe, start with a “meet-and-greet” visit where your child meets the dentist without any treatment.
• For more complex procedures, sedation options (like nitrous oxide) may be available to keep your child calm.