Dr. Rick Lindley is a pediatric dentist who 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. I encourage parents to bring their children in as soon as their first tooth erupts, or not later than their first birthday.
Q. What should be used to clean a baby’s teeth?
A. A toothbrush will remove plaque ( bacteria) that can lead to decay (cavity). Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime. Sometimes a soft wash-cloth can be used when a child will just not tolerate a toothbrush of any kind.
Q. What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
A. Pediatric dentists are the "pediatricians of dentistry." A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits their practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are specialty dental care providers for infants and kids through adolescence, including those with special health needs. Many General Dentists treat children and refer to Pediatric dentists when special needs are necessary. These include sedation and work on very young kids.
Q. What should a parent do if their child has a toothache?
A. When a child has a toothache it can be very traumatic to the parents. The first thing a parent should do is place a cold compress on the child’s face close to the area with pain. If the child is old enough, rinsing with warm salt water is good. Give Tylenol as needed for pain. Never place aspirin on the tooth or gums. OTC pain-relieving gels are OK as long as they are short term. The child should be seen by a dentist as soon as possible.
Q. Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child’s teeth?
A. Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will usually only become a problem if they go on for a very long time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of three, your dentist may recommend a mouth appliance. Thumb sucking is not usually a problem to the teeth themselves, but can be a problem for the child’s occlusion (bite).
Q. How can a mom prevent decay caused by nursing?
A. Many studies show that breast-milk does not cause tooth decay. Milk formulas and juices that contain sugar can cause tooth decay if left in the child’s mouth as they fall asleep. This is because saliva flow slows down when sleeping and the sugar substances stay in contact with the teeth longer. Water is the only safe fluid other than breast-milk that should be feed to children at bedtime. Good tooth brushing and flossing in the morning will help prevent any tooth decay.
Q. How often does a child need to see the pediatric dentist?
A. Children and adults should see their dentist at least twice a year. Some children will need to be seen more often and a dentist will advise this.
Q. How to contact Dr. Lindley if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
29645 Rancho California Road
Suite #118
Temecula, CA 92591
Phone: (951) 676-6600
Email: smilemaker@verizon.net
Website: http://www.smiletemecula.com/
