Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Gary Badger on Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Gary Badger 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. Children should be seen for their first dental visit within 6 months of the eruption of the first teeth, usually around age 6 months, then followed 12 months thereafter. This is done to establish a customized preventive program to reduce dental disease for each patient.
Q. What should be used to clean a baby’s teeth?
A. Baby’s teeth should be cleaned initially with a soft cloth until 4 upper and 4 lower incisors have developed. Then using a soft tooth brush and training toothpaste clean twice a day to eliminate or reduce dental plaque. Regular 6 month visits to the dentist for children ensure a low to moderate dental disease risk and there should be more visits for the high risk children. Once a child can expectorate , then a fluoridated tooth paste can be used.
Q. What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
A. A pediatric dentist differs from a general dentist because the specialist has attended specialty training and education for an additional two years after dental school. During that training, emphasis on development, psychological and physical, are completed, handling of emotionally challenged children and medicating or hospitalizing those who need extra help in receiving care. In addition our office has dental assistants who are certified in Texas and whose training provides the child with treatment while emphasizing gentle and caring demeanors.
Q. What should a parent do if their child has a toothache?
A. When a child experiences dental pain from a tooth or other source, the problem has most likely existed for a period of time and it is essential that the child be seen promptly so that relief from the discomfort can be achieved as soon as possible. Delay in treatment may cause severe pain, swelling, and possibly life-threatening conditions. The parent should immediately contact their pediatric dentist and schedule an evaluation.
Q. Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child’s teeth?
A. Thumb sucking and pacifier habits can cause a change on the position of the front teeth. The most common problem is caused an Open Bite. This is the positional change of the upoer and lower incisors resulting in a space between the upper teeth and the lower. This may result in orthodontic treatment (braces) in the future if not corrected early by your pediatric dentist.
Q. How can a mom prevent decay caused by nursing?
A. Nursing dental decay can be prevented by feeding the baby upright and not taking the baby to bed with you for feeding at will. In addition, bottle feeding at night with the baby reclined can result in severe decay that generally is treated in infants in the hospital. Prevention is key and cleaning with a soft cloth when completing feeding will improve the child’s mouth afterwards.
Q. How often does a child need to see the pediatric dentist?
A. Children are seen at least twice a year for evaluation of growth changes, cleaning, risk assessment, and future treatment needs. Education of the parents and child are essential for prevention and guidance for development. More frequent visits may be necessary as treatment are diagnosed.
Q. How to contact Dr. Badger if we have further questions?
A. My office is open daily during the week for consultations, examinations, and treatment. The office phone number is 979 694-8877 and our website is badgerpedident.com. If one needs advice for the dental needs of their child, they may contact us.
