Arvada Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Julie V. Vuong is a dentist and 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 Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the initial visit to be six months after the first tooth erupts or by the first birthday.  We abide by these guidelines and offer a complimentary "well-baby" exam for children under the age of two.  We strongly feel that if we can get the information out early, it will result in less costly and less emergent treatment in the future.

Q. What should be used to clean a baby’s teeth?

A.  We believe good oral habits should start early and recommend using a damp washcloth to gently massage the gums before the teeth erupt.  Parents should start brushing their baby’s teeth with a finger brush or age appropriate soft-bristle brush as soon as the first tooth erupts.  At this age you can use water or a non-fluoride toothpaste that is safe to swallow.  If possible, we also recommend gentle brushing of the tongue, which can harbor a lot of bacteria.  Parents should brush at least every night and preferably, in the morning, as well.  Parents are often surprised when we recommend flossing any teeth that contact each other, even at age one.  If you cannot see a space in between the teeth, then a toothbrush cannot get in there either.  Lastly, it is very important that every child has their own toothbrush and that it does not get contaminated with your or any other siblings’ saliva.  Allowing your child to playfully brush your teeth with their toothbrush can transfer the cavity causing bacteria from your mouth to their mouth.  Toothbrushes should also be changed every three months.  Just remember that when the seasons change, change your toothbrush, too!

Q. What is a Pediatric Dentist?

A.  A pediatric dentist can be thought of as the "pediatricians of dentistry".  We are dentists that specialize in preventing and treating oral diseases specifically in children (healthy and medically compromised), from birth to adolescence.  A pediatric dentist goes through an additional two to three years of training to learn the psychology and developmental differences specifically to this age group.

Q. What should a parent do if their child has a toothache?

A.  If your child has a toothache, try to gather as much information you can and call the dentist.  Many times a toothache can be initially alleviated with over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (don’t use aspirin) and warm salt water rinses.  If there is swelling associated with the pain, this is more emergent and you should call the dentist as soon as possible.  An ice pack may be helpful with the swelling.  Have your child eat a softer, moderate temperature diet until the tooth gets evaluated.  Foods that are hard, sweet, and cold can exacerbate the pain.             

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

A.  Thumb and pacifier habits have been shown to change the oral structures and therefore, the bite, if they are continued for a long period of time.  However, the degree of changes usually depends on the frequency, intensity, and duration of the habit.  If the habit is discontinued by the age of three, minor oral changes often relapse back to normal.  More significant changes may need an appliance to correct the bite. 

Q. How can a mom prevent decay caused by nursing?

A.  Whether you are nursing or bottle feeding at night, the caries risk (risk of getting a cavity) is similar if you are allowing your child to fall asleep without wiping/brushing their teeth afterward.  Nighttime ad libitum feeding is highly discouraged.  If they need a bottle to fall asleep, put water in the bottle.  Brushing (and flossing if contacts are closed) every night and preferably, every morning is important.  Lastly, make sure your child sees a dentist 6 months after the first tooth erupts or by the age of one. 

Q. How often does a child need to see the pediatric dentist?

A.  Usually we recommend your child to see the dentist every six months to prevent oral diseases and stay informed about their developmental changes.  However, we use an individual approach and if your child is at a higher or lower risk, we may recommend more frequent or less frequent visits. 

Q. How to contact Dr. Vuong if we have further questions?    

A.
Address:
7578 Sheridan Blvd Arvada, Colorado  80003
Phone: 303-427-9779
Email:drjulie@sugarbugsdds.com
Website: http://www.sugarbugsdds.com