Medford Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Pamela J. Ortiz 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. First dental check up by age one. This is the standard of care, and recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Unfortunately, many parents do not get this advice from their physician or family dentist, so children do not see the dentist until 3 or even 5 years old. By then, dental disease can be severe, affecting your child’s oral development, learning, and self esteem. It is painful, dangerous to your child’s health, unsightly, and very expensive to fix. Severe dental decay, or Early Childhood Caries (ECC), is the number one preventable disease of childhood; childhood obesity is number two. Early visits not only educate parents, but socialize children appropriately to the dental environment before problems arise.

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

A. Prior to teeth erupting, a pre-moisten cloth can be used as part of regular infant care. After the first teeth (incisors) erupt, an infant finger brush can be used. Once the back teeth (molars) come in, a children’s toothbrush should be selected. Fluoride free gel should first be used to clean the teeth and gums, then a toddler training brand, then a more abrasive fluoride paste for children. Flossing can be introduced when the teeth are close together. All these products can be found in the baby care and/or oral hygiene section.

Q. What is a Pediatric Dentist?

A. A Pediatric Dentist is a dental specialist with 2-3 years additional training in the care of children and children with special needs. Since many family or general dentists are not trained in the unique aspect of children’s behavior, development, diseases and management, they are not comfortable seeing young children. Therefore, look for a children’s specialist if your family dentist will not see your infant.

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

A. Brush the tooth to clear debris, have the child swish with warm salt water if they’re able to spit, give children’s ibuprofen and see a dentist.

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

A. No. Prolonged pacifier or thumb habits will alter the development of the teeth and jaw, however, and may obligate your child to orthodontics (braces). In some cases, it can affect speech development.

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

A. Nursing does not cause decay. Constant carbohydrate consumption, however, can. ECC (severe dental decay, nursing or bottle decay) is not hereditary- it is a complex, infectious process resulting from an oral bacteria imbalance combined with repeated carbohydrate exposure, in this case milk sugar (lactose), plus multiple other factors like saliva composition and enamel structure. Mother’s milk during the first year is crucial, and it is not uncommon for the infant to nurse frequently and throughout the night. Nutritionally speaking, however, toddlers do not need to feed throughout the night but many do for comfort. Once asleep, saliva flow and swallowing ceases, milk pools in the mouth, and decalcification of the new teeth can begin. (Plus, the fluids can drain into the developing inner ear, causing ear infections.)

Infant oral bacteria are acquired early, usually from mom, so the best way to avoid ECC is prevention before conception: Dental disease in mom should be addressed early to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and encourage the transmission of healthy bacteria. Next, once the first teeth erupt and table food is introduced, ad-lib or on-demand comfort nursing during the day or night should be monitored. Baby should not fall asleep at the breast, with a bottle of milk, or sippy cup of juice. The most important time to clean the teeth is before bed, and water should be offered at the bedside or anytime your toddler is carrying around a beverage. Lastly, start your baby off right by making healthy food choices- this benefits your entire family! Say no to refined, processed, and fast foods as well as sugar-laiden snacks and beverages. Encourage fresh, whole foods for snacking and meals.

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

A. 2 times a year.

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

A. Dr. Ortiz is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist with over 15 years experience. She is in private practice in Medford, Oregon and can be reached via her website http://www.grins4kidz.com

Dr. Pamela Ortiz
drpam@grins4kidz.com