North Little Rock Pediatric Dentistry

 

A. Unless there is a question or concern that a parent has about their child’s mouth or teeth, we feel the best age to begin regular dental care is 2 years old.  While a child may not be ready for a full cleaning and x-rays, they will benefit from a good experience and at least a quick exam.  We make sure no urgent problems are present, such as significant decay, and most importantly we ensure they have a great first experience.  We let their comfort level dictate the amount of treatment they receive. 

 

 

A. When a baby’s teeth first begin to erupt, they can be cleaned with just a damp washcloth wrapped around the parent’s finger.  This should be completed at least every night just before bed, especially after any milk (including breast-milk) or juice. This method works great until the child gets a little older and will tolerate a small, soft bristled toothbrush.  Rubber finger-brushes are available for infant brushing, but do not work any better than a regular washcloth.  For those children who really dislike brushing/cleaning the teeth, try using a small amount of flavored Infant toothpaste (it has no fluoride), this may help overcome their objections.

 

 

A. A pediatric dentist is a dentist who completes extra training after earning their dental degree, earning a specialty degree in children’s dentistry, this means that they no longer treat adults, and usually offer services for children such as sedation or treatment in a hospital under general anesthesia.  A family dentist offers services and treatment for everyone- children, teenagers, and adults.  Some family dentists see a large number of children, even infants, while others choose to focus more on adult dentistry.

 

 

A. As soon as your child begins to complain of tooth pain, contact a dentist who is comfortable treating patients of your child’s age.  When possible, the dentist will want to evaluate your child soon after symptoms begin, most likely taking an x-ray of the painful tooth to check for infection.  If the toothache begins in the evening or on a weekend, the dentist may call in antibiotics and/or pain medicine to a pharmacy near you, and then complete an evaluation as soon as possible.  Over the counter medicine such as Children’s Motrin should be used, and is very effective at reducing the pain from a toothache.

 

 

A. The urge to suck thumbs or pacifiers is natural and useful; it is an instinctive drive that helps an infant or young child nurse.  When that urge continues beyond infancy and into early adolescence it can cause some undesirable changes in the teeth and bone of the mouth.  It does not contribute to tooth decay, but can cause narrowing of the palate, or roof of the mouth, and also cause the teeth and bone to take on an unnatural shape.  These effects result in front teeth that do not meet when the back teeth are closed, or in an upper jaw shape that is too narrow for ideal occlusion.  These conditions, called open-bites or cross-bites, will often require costly orthodontics to correct.  Any concerned parent should ask their dentist about thumb sucking or pacifier use at each dental visit, so he or she can determine if any undesirable consequences are occurring.   

 

 

A. The most important thing in preventing any type of decay is to clean the teeth, either with a toothbrush or with a washcloth as mentioned above.  Nursing alone does not cause decay!  Decay results when milk sugar from breast-milk or other drinks is allowed to remain on teeth for extended periods of time, usually at night while a child sleeps.  The bacteria that live on our teeth produce acid when supplied with sugar, and this acid is the cause of tooth decay.  Removing the bacteria, also called plaque, with a washcloth or toothbrush each night before bed eliminates the source of acid, and prevents decay.  

 

 

A. A child should see either a Pediatric Dentist or a child-friendly Family Dentist every 6 months, assuming no concerns exist.