Yes. We welcome you to accompany your child back for all treatments. 

A toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime.

Your child should see a pediatric dentist when their first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday. This recommendation is for several reasons. Many dental problems can be prevented with appropriate knowledge of proper dental care and regular dental cleanings and exams. Your pediatric dentist will educate you on what to expect in terms of oral development, how to care for your child’s teeth through good dietary habits and oral hygiene, and will answer any questions you may have. Making a habit of seeing a dentist from a very early age, typically before any dental caries present, also helps kids build a positive association with dental visits and helps build a relationship of trust between the child and dentist. Thus, if/when treatment is needed down the road, a child is less likely to fear the dentist or have negative associations with dental visits. 

Establishing a dental home during the first year of a child’s life is very beneficial to a child. If/when treatment is needed down the road, a child is less likely to fear the dentist or have negative associations with dental visits.

A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your pediatric dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health.

Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.

First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums. Finally, contact us as soon as possible.

Once one year old, wean your child off of nursing. Never send them to bed with a bottle. Once teeth appear, clean teeth daily. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child’s teeth. Take your child to a pediatric dentist regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The first dental visit should be scheduled by your child’s first birthday. 

Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of three, steps may need to be taken to help them kick the habit well before their permanent teeth begin to emerge. A bitter tasting polish can be applied to the thumb to discourage thumb sucking. The thumb can be taped or casted making it difficult to suck, or a mouth appliance may be recommended by Dr. Menlove.

Make sure your child has a balanced diet. Encourage snacks such as fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, cheeses, and other foods with high nutritional content. Limit servings of processed sugars and starches (i.e. candy, fruit snacks, juice, crackers, goldfish, pretzels, etc). You can also ask your pediatric dentist to help you select foods that protect your children’s teeth.

Sealants are a preventative measure against cavities. Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This helps prevent food particles from getting caught in these crevasses, leading to chewing surface cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.

Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect a child’s teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard developed by a pediatric dentist will protect your child from injuries to the teeth, face and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.

There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation.

Have your pediatric dentist evaluate the fluoride level of your child’s primary source of drinking water. If your child is not getting enough fluoride internally through water (especially if the fluoride level is deficient or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride), then your pediatric dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements.

Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning with the eruption of the first tooth. Then, the dentist can recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for parents to supervise and teach to their children. These home treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.

By the time your child reaches 9-10 years old, many adult teeth are now present and an adult toothbrush/toothpaste can be used. Any soft-bristled toothbrush should be used two times a day for two minutes. More important than the type of toothbrush used is the effort and time put into brushing and flossing. 

This is called silver diamine fluoride, which helps stop tooth decay. It has been FDA approved for use in the united states for 5 years but has been used in other parts of the world for 60-80 years.