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. Joye Warr on Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Joye Warr 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 that every child find a "Dental Home by Age One". The Age One Dental visit consists of an examination, education and information that will allow you to help prevent decay in your child. Studies show that early dental visits can lead to less decay for children.
To facilitate the Age One Dental Visit our office offers a FREE first visit to all children 2 and under! This is a great opportunity to let us evaluate your child’s teeth and answer your questions.
Q. What should be used to clean a baby’s teeth?
A. You should begin to brush a child’s gums before the teeth appear. This helps with teething and it also may help your baby to adjust to brushing. There are different sized tooth brushes according to the age of your child.
Finger brushes fit over your index or middle finger and allow you to massage the gums and brush the teeth. Once your child gets more teeth an infant toothbrush will help you get the hard-to-reach areas of your child’s mouth. The bright colors, characters and shapes make it fun for your child to brush.
If you have an independent child that wants to brush alone I recommend that you have two toothbrushes – one for your child and one for you. Allow them to brush with their toothbrush and follow them with your toothbrush. Lastly, remember that any teeth that touch should be flossed with either dental floss or a flosser. Age doesn’t matter when it comes to flossing.
Q. Who is a Pediatric Dentist?
A. The distinction of Pediatric Dentist is given to a dentist who has training beyond dental school. Two or Three-year residencies that teach about specific infant, child and adolescent behavior, growth and development and managing special needs patients prepare the pediatric dentist to help children that are beyond the scope of traditional treatment.
Q. What should a parent do if their child has a toothache?
A. If your child has a toothache we strongly discourage the use of over-the-counter tooth remedies that claim to numb the pain of a toothache. These medications may give temporary relief but without knowing the cause of the toothache you may actually be putting your child in danger of further damage. Tylenol and other pain reliever may work but it is important to CALL YOUR DENTIST!
Most dentists have a 24-hour emergency line and will accept your call at any time. Our emergency number is 336-887-9277.
Q. Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child’s teeth?
A. Thumb, finger and pacifier habits can throw off your child’s bite. Studies show that most children with an oral habit will need orthodontics (braces) because of that habit. The pacifier should be discontinued soon after the first birthday. Although we can do little about a thumb or finger habit (they are attached!), the pacifier can be taken away.
If you are planning to stop a pacifier habit, it is important that you are ready to stick to your guns. Taking away the pacifier and giving it back to your child will only confuse him or her and make it more difficult for you in the future. Some parents have success with the "Binky Fairy" (a very kind fairy that takes the pacifier to children who need them) or by gradually cutting off the tip of the pacifier. Others decide to go cold turkey so you must decide which is best for you and your child.
A finger or thumb habit is much harder to stop and requires the cooperation of the child. A child who is unwilling to let go of their thumb habit will often be frustrated by the reminders and other gadgets that parents try on them. It is important for your child to understand how we are trying to help.
Q. How can a mom prevent decay caused by nursing?
A. It is commonly believed that nursing cannot cause tooth decay but this is not true! Breast milk contains almost twice as much lactose as cow’s milk which can cause decay. For this reason, we recommend that you refrain from continuously breast feeding your baby. Laying your baby in the bed with you and allowing him or her to feed all night while sleeping bathes your child’s teeth in sugar and can lead to decay.
Oral hygiene is very important when you breast feed your child. You should brush the teeth and gums with a finger-brush twice daily. Also, after you breast feed if finger-brushing is not possible you should wipe the teeth with a wet towel to remove the sugar from your child’s teeth. Your pediatric dentist will show you how you should brush.
Q. How often does a child need to see the pediatric dentist?
A. Your child should visit the pediatric dentist twice a year. During those visits we will monitor how their bite is developing, take x-rays to make sure that the permanent teeth are forming correctly and help you with preventive information about mouthguards, fluoride and flossing.
Q. How to contact Dr. Warr if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
1008 Hutton Ln, Ste 112,
High Point, NC 27262
Phone: 336-887-9277
Fax: 336-887-9278
Email:jlwarr@triad.rr.com
Website:http://warrpda.com/Home.aspx
