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. Jeffrey M. Ward on Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Jeffrey M. Ward 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. We and the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommend your child seeing the dentist by their 1st birthday or within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth. The primary purpose for a visit this early is to educate mom and dad to make sure they are doing everything correctly at home to help prevent any cavities. Other benefits to the early visit include: establishing a dental home for your child, completing a cavity risk assessment for your child (to check the likelihood of your child getting a cavity), steps in case of a dental emergency and fluoride intake evaluation among other things.
Q. What should be used to clean a baby’s teeth?
A. A soft toothbrush is best but very early on a wet wash rag will do fine. I try to emphasize wiping or brushing the teeth especially before naptime and bedtime.
Q. What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
A. Being a pediatric dentist requires completion of a residency program after dental school. During this program we are trained specifically on treating children. Family dentists are trained for treating children during dental school. However, during the residency program we go into much greater detail on things such as behavior management techniques, growth and development of the child and sedation dentistry.
Q. What should a parent do if their child has a toothache?
A. See a dentist immediately or use tylenol or ibuprofen to buy time until you can get to a dentist.
Q. Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child’s teeth?
A. These habits are not technically harmful to the teeth (they don’t damage them or cause cavities) however, if the habit last too long then it can affect the position of the teeth and lead to a greater chance of needing braces in the future. We recommend stopping these habits by 18 months of age.
Q. How can a mom prevent decay caused by nursing?
A. Once your child’s teeth start breaking through the gums, then after nursing clean them with a wet wash rag and then move to a toothbrush as your child gets older and the teeth erupt more. I really try to have moms not "on-demand feed" their child, especially throughout the night. If you choose to demand feed your child at night then wash off their teeth after each feeding. Also, never let your child go to bed with a bottle or carry a bottle throughout the day. If you choose to let your child go to bed with a bottle or sippy cup or carry them around all day then make sure there is only water in them.
Q. How often does a child need to see the pediatric dentist?
A. Every 6 months
Q. How to contact Dr. Ward if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
3089 Mission Blvd.
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Phone: 479-442-6995
Fax: 479-443-6468
Email:info@drjeffreyward.com
Website: http://www.drjeffreyward.com/
