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. J. Eric Hibbs on Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. J. Eric Hibbs is a dentist and has answered some of the most common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Pediatric Dentistry.
Q. When should parents take their children to have their first checkup?
A. If the parent is unsure of how to care for the dental health of their child, I would recommend a visit to the dentist at one year old.
However, if the parent is aware of the need to clean a child’s teeth and limit sugar intake, three years old is ideal.
At this age the child is better able to understand the purpose of the visit and can participate and cooperate better. Of course, if the parent finds an area of concern on a tooth or in the gums, there is no minimal age.
Q. What should be used to clean a baby’s teeth?
A. Initially a wet wash cloth is ideal. As the child becomes more comfortable, I highly recommend a battery-operated "Spin-Brush," such as one in the shape of a mermaid, or race car. These will do a better job of brushing, even if the child only chews on the brush. Also, the rotary action of the brush prepares the child for the polisher used duri ng their first dental visit.
Q. What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
A. The main difference is that the pediatric dentist only sees children and may feel more comfortable treating children than would some general dentists. They may provide more aggressive treatment on a child than a family dentist would, and they may be more likely to use sedation to manage the child. Pediatric dentists typically refer the patient away from the practice at around age 18. This limits their long-term knowledge of a patient and treatment outcomes. A family dentist can monitor a patient throughout their lifetime for better continuity of care.
Q. What should a parent do if their child has a toothache?
A. I would recommend having the child visit a dentist regardless of the age of the child. A toothache in a baby tooth can have serious consequences on the health of the underlying permanent tooth.
Q. Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful to a child’s teeth?
A. Thumb sucking and pacifier use is not good for a child’s developing teeth and jaws. They can cause crowding due to a narrow palate, and an uneven smile. Therefore, these habits should be discouraged. However, my children were comforted in their habits, and I did not have the heart to stop them. They grew out of these habits themselves and the minor orthodontic problems they developed were easily corrected.
Q. How can a mom prevent decay caused by nursing?
A. Be sure to rinse the child’s mouth out with water after nursing and never send the child to bed with a sugary liquid in their bottle. Only use water at bedtime!
Q. How often does a child need to see the pediatric dentist?
A. A child should visit their dentist twice a year, or more frequently as the individual circumstances dictate.
Q. How to contact Dr. Hibbs if we have further questions?
A.
Telephone: 214-351-2311
Email: hibbsdds@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.ParkCitiesDentalCare.com
