Dr. Sujata Bhakta is a dentist who has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about pediatric dentistry.
Q. When should parents take their children to have their first checkup?
A. The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that the first dental check-up should be prior to one year of age. It is as important to have an early dental checkup as it is to have a well-baby visit with the physician.
Q. What should be used to clean a baby’s teeth?
A. After every feeding, it is important to clean your baby’s teeth to remove plaque and residual food particles that can cause dental decay. You can use a clean soft wet washcloth, wet guaze or a baby toothbrush.
Q. What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
A. A family dentist generally sees all members of the family, including children. They have the basic training in providing dental care to children. Many kids are first seen by general dentists. Pediatric dentists are specialists who have received additional training, specifically to treat children. They use more advanced modalities like oral sedation, IV sedation, general anesthetic to care for those children who are unable to co-operate otherwise.
Q. What should a parent do if their child has a toothache?
A. If the child has toothache, give the child OTC pain medications like Motrin or Tylenol. Schedule to see the general dentist ASAP. It is a good idea not to wait as dental decay spreads very rapidly in baby tooth. There is always the risk of developing tooth infection and abscess.
Q. Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child’s teeth?
A. It depends on several factors including the age, the duration and intensity of sucking. Babies suck their thumbs as a natural reflex mechanism. It relaxes them and calms them. Sucking becomes an issue only if it is prolonged and severe in intensity. Passive sucking is not as harmful as those who suck vigorously. Sucking can cause teeth to be malaligned if it continues for a long time, past the eruption of permanent teeth. It can also cause a narrowing of the arches and open bite.
Q. How can a mom prevent decay caused by nursing?
A. Frequent and prolonged contact with any liquids containing sugar including milk, breast milk, pacifier, juice can cause dental decay. Nursing at night causes milk to pool in the mouth and results in characteristic "baby bottle decay" . A good way to prevent it is to use water in the bottle at night instead of any sugary liquids. It is also a good idea not to dip the pacifier in sugar or honey before giving it to the baby. The child should be encouraged to drink from a cup by their first birthday.
Q. How often does a child need to see the pediatric dentist?
A. Once the child has seen either a general or a pediatric dentist, they assess various "risk factors" during their examination based on a child’s health history, diet, existing dental decay, amount of fluoride exposure, oral hygiene etc. These risk factors are then used to develop a custom-made recall for the child. Generally the guidelines set by the AAPD (American Association of Pediatric Dentists) are used to determine recall.
Q. How to contact Dr Bhakta if we have further questions?
A. Dr Bhakta can be reached at her office at 734-332-0151 or you can e-mail her at [subh66@hotmail.com].
