Keep Them Smiling: The Full Interview With World Of Smiles

 

We have so many questions when it comes to pediatric dentistry, and we always seem to start thinking about them right after Halloween. Funny how that works. My kiddos are just about ready to go to the dentist, and I’ve been a little bit nervous about what to expect when taking them in for the first time. I spoke to the kind folks atWorld of Smiles who eased our fears, answered our questions and actually have us a little excited to take our littles in to see the “tooth doctor”.—BF

 

 

What will happen on a first visit to the dentist?

 

The first visit often depends on the age of the child, and their past experiences. For a child that is under the ageof three years, we offer a warm and inviting toddler “comfy” room in lieu of a traditional dental chair. During this initial visit, the dental assistant will answer any questions the parents may have, and offer educational tips and tricks to help with brushing at home. When the dentist arrives, she will complete a simple lap-to-lap exam to count teeth, look at the health of gums, tongue, and the oral cavity, and inform the parents of any warning spots or cavities that she may find. The dental assistant or dentist will then model proper brushing techniques with a toothbrush cleaning, and apply the recommended fluoride varnish to help strengthen the child’s teeth. To prepare your child, talk about healthy teeth at home, make it a positive adventure to visit the “tooth doctor”, and help build a story and picture in the child’s mind of what to expect.

 

How important are baby teeth?

 

That’s similar to asking how important is eating, or talking. Baby teeth are essential for children’s proper development, not only physically, but emotionally as well. The primary teeth are not only placeholders to guide permanent teeth into their proper places, they aid in the overall physical development of a child’s mouth. Cavities in primary teeth that go undetected or untreated can also lead to problems in the development ofpermanent teeth as well as cause infections that can cause hospitalization. Taking care of a child’s primary teeth should be just as important as taking care of their lifelong permanent teeth.

 

When should children begin brushing and flossing?

 

Parents should begin brushing as soon as their child’s first tooth arrives and as soon as you see teeth that are touching, it’s time to start flossing. When brushing use a soft washcloth after nursing or bottle-feedings to wipe off any excess liquid in the mouth and then using a soft bristle brush that is age appropriate thereafter. We do recommend that parents brush their children’s teeth until age six or seven. Many children want to assert their independence, so we suggest “me time” versus “you time”, allowing the child a turn, and then finishing the job for them. The same motor skills children use to tie their shoes are the same skills of dexterity they need to apply enough pressure to properly clean their teeth, particularly the teeth in the back of the mouth where the most cavities can occur.

 

Are there alternatives to fluoride when toddlers won’t brush?

 

There are several issues at play here. The first; if you’re using a fluoride toothpaste before your child can spit, make sure you’re using a small, pea-size amount. Once your toddler has learned to spit, using a toothpaste with both xylitol and fluoride is recommended. Fluoride’s job is to strengthen the enamel of the teeth against the bacteria that causes cavities, and xylitol has been found to kill off cavity causing bacteria in the mouth. However, if your child is demanding their independence and refusing to brush, they are at a very high risk ofcavities. It can be hard when your little one puts up a fight, but not brushing can be more harmful than enduring a little bit of tears and unhappiness.

 

What if my child has a toothache, what should I do? 

 

The first question to answer is, has your child been diagnosed with cavities? Call your dentist, and be sure to describe to him or her whether that area is swollen, if a tooth is loose, or whether there are dark spots. If there is an area that is swollen and painful, or has a white blister-looking spot on the gum line, call your dentist immediately. It may indicate that there is an infection present and your dental provider will be able to relieve the pain and create a treatment plan for your child.

 

Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child’s teeth?

 

Thumb sucking or using a pacifier are often ways a child self-soothes. The issue many pediatric dentists have with pacifiers and thumbs is that continued use can affect a child’s jaw development Using a proper pacifier (we recommend MAM brand pacifiers) can help alleviate some of those issues, and making sure that a child has been weaned from self-soothing with their thumb or pacifier by age 3 is important. Otherwise, it’s probably a good idea to start a fund for braces.

 

What is a dental sealant and how does it work?

 

A dental sealant protects the grooved and pitted surfaces of the teeth, particularly the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where most cavities start to develop. Sealants are applied in one visit as a clear or shaded coating on the teeth and can help keep those teeth cavity free for many years. It’s still very important to brush and floss, and to avoid sticky and hard foods (like hard candies and ice!) that could break the sealants or wear them down more quickly than necessary.

 

World of Smiles Dentistry is located at 11790 SW Barnes Road in Beaverton. For more information, patient forms and testimonials, please visit their website, www.visitworldofsmiles.com.

Tags: featured, Pediatric Dentistry

Category: Blog, Family Health