Dr. Ammar Idlibi is a Dentist and who has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitor have about Pediatric Dentistry.
Q. When should parents take their children to have their first checkup?
A. According to the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should have their first dental appointment by their first birthday. Many early dental problems can be prevented with an early evaluation of your child’s dentition and eating habits. Important tips and diet recommendations at this first visit are key in protecting your child’s oral health.
Q. What should be used to clean a baby’s teeth?
A. A small soft toothbrush with baby toothpaste (fluoride-free toothpaste) that is safe to swallow. Infants’ teeth can be cleansed with a clean wet cloth or gauze after every feed.
Q. What is a Pediatric Dentist?
A. A pediatric dentist is a specialist who had completed two to three extra years of advanced training beyond dental school to become a specialist in the field of Pediatric Dentistry. The additional training focuses on management and treatment of a child’s developing teeth, child behavior, physical growth and development, and the special needs of children’s dentistry. Although either type of dentist is capable of addressing your child’s oral health care needs, a pediatric dentist, his or her staff, and even the office décor are all geared to care for children and to put them at ease. If your child has special needs, care from a pediatric dentist should be considered.
Q. What should a parent do if their child has a toothache?
A. Contact a pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Our office takes emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, we also see emergency patients on the same day.
Q. Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child’s teeth?
A. Yes they are, especially if they persist beyond the age of 6. They may contribute to severe malocclusion and ”open bites” which is a space between the upper and lower front teeth.
Q. How can a mom prevent decay caused by nursing?
A. Try to minimize the frequency of feeds on daily basis as much as possible (you can always make up with the quantities). Wipe your infant’s teeth with a clean wet cloth or gauze after every feed and never put your child to sleep with a bottle unless it has pure water.
Q. How often does a child need to see the pediatric dentist?
A. Once every six months.
