Starting dental care early sets your children up for great dental health for life. However, many parents and caregivers are confused about when their children should begin receiving dental care. If you’re not sure when to schedule your child’s first dental appointment, we’re here to shed some light on the topic.
Why is Early Dental Care Important?
Early dental care is vital for your children’s overall good health and well-being, informing both parents and children about proper dental care at home and laying the foundation for a lifetime of good dental habits. Everyone, including children, should visit the dentist at least twice per year for an exam and thorough cleaning. This will help prevent cavities, plaque and tartar buildup, eliminating the need for fillings and extractions, which can be quite stressful for children. Early dental care not only protects your child’s physical dental health, but it can also help with socioeconomic factors such as school performance, behavior, self-esteem, and social skills.
When to Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Appointment
Some parents and caregivers believe you should wait until a child begins school before visiting a dentist, but this is an upsetting myth. In reality, children need to visit the dentist much earlier than that. The general consensus is that children should have their first dental appointment when their baby teeth begin to emerge or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. However, if you have questions or concerns about your child’s dental health before either of these events, feel free to schedule an appointment to discuss these with a pediatric dentist.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Appointment
A child’s first several dental appointments really focus on education for both parents and children. The dentist will examine the child’s teeth, gums, and mouth both visually and physically, ensuring that there are no abnormalities with the bone or soft tissue structures. They will discuss proper at-home care, including brushing twice daily and after meals, and flossing each time your child brushes. They will also go over what to do in case of a dental emergency. If needed, the dentist or a hygienist will clean the teeth that have emerged, removing any plaque or tartar buildup. Throughout the appointment the dentist and staff will go above and beyond to ensure your child is comfortable and safe, creating a positive experience that avoids the fear that many children have of the dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Childrens’ First Dental Appointment
How do I prepare for my child’s first dental appointment?
The best way to prepare your child for their first dental appointment is to talk to them about what to expect. Playing dentist with them or letting them watch shows where children roleplay visiting a dental office are great ways to introduce many of the tools, equipment, and words they will encounter during their first visit. Sometimes having an older sibling talk to them about visiting the dentist can be quite helpful.
Will my child need x-rays at their first dental appointment?
Probably not. Most children do not begin receiving x-rays at dental visits until they are close to school age. However, if the dentist notices any structural abnormalities or tooth decay, they may want to take an x-ray to get a better look at what is going on.
Early Dental Care in Hudson Bay
It’s vital for your children to receive early dental care from a competent and reputable pediatric dentist. If you live in the Hudson Bay and need a great dentist for your children, look no further than Briarcliff Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics in Briarcliff Manor. Nestled on the shores of the Hudson River, we’re conveniently centrally located for families all over the Bay, including Ossining, Pleasantville, Sleepy Hollow, and Tarrytown. To schedule your child’s first dental appointment today, contact us at 914-762-6260 or send us a message online.
Children should start visiting the dentist when their first baby tooth breaks through, or by age one, whichever comes first. The first few dental visits are really about teaching parents and toddlers how to properly take care of the baby teeth and monitoring for early signs of any potential problems. But at a certain age, the dentist will need to get a more in depth look at what is going on in the child’s mouth, so a dental x-ray will likely be recommended. Let’s find out more about what dental x-rays are, why they are important, and when most children should start having them during their dental visits.
What are Dental X-Rays?
Dental x-rays, also known as dental radiographs, are simply images of the teeth and mouth structures made using high-energy electromagnetic radiation. Old school x-rays were done using physical film, but advancements in dental technology now allow x-rays to be captured digitally. With the main concern about x-rays being radiation exposure, patients love the digital version since it uses just a fraction of the radiation used in traditional x-rays.
Why are Dental X-Rays Necessary?
Children can’t always communicate exactly how they are feeling or if something is going wrong in their mouth, so dental x-rays give pediatric dentists an easy way to see the exact stage of development of the child’s teeth and to spot any potential problems. Identifying dental problems early is important, since an untreated dental issue can quickly turn into a painful emergency.
Age Recommendations for Dental X-Rays
Assuming the child doesn’t have any visible signs of cavities or decay, dental x-rays probably won’t be recommended until around ages 5-6. However, some pediatric dentists begin to introduce dental x-rays a bit earlier, around 3-4 years old. The exact age varies from child to child and requires a thorough assessment from a qualified pediatric dentist to determine when a dental x-ray is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental X-Rays
Does a dental x-ray hurt?
No, a dental x-ray should not hurt, although the position your child must be in for certain x-rays might be a bit uncomfortable. If your child is complaining of pain during a dental x-ray, discuss this with the dentist, as adjustments may need to be made to make your child more comfortable.
What if I don’t want a dental x-ray for my child?
Dental x-rays are an important diagnostic tool that allows your child’s dentist to see where the eyes cannot, helping them spot potential problems before they cause any pain or misalignments. Without dental x-rays, the dentist doesn’t have all the information they need to provide the most effective treatment. While we can still provide basic services for children without dental x-rays, more complex procedures to fix problems may not be possible.
Pediatric Dental Services in the Hudson Valley
Dental x-rays are just one of the many tools pediatric dentists use to thoroughly assess your child’s dental health and develop a dental care plan that keeps your child’s smile looking great as they grow up. If your family lives in the Hudson Valley, including Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, Pleasantville, Sleepy Hollow, and Tarrytown, Briarcliff Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics is here to help ensure your child has optimal dental health in childhood and beyond. Our entire team is focused on dental care for children, so we know how to make even the most anxious little ones comfortable. Schedule an appointment with us by calling 914-762-6260 or request an appointment online today.
At some point in your life, you’ll probably notice a darkened spot on one of your child’s teeth, accompanied by sensitivity in that tooth to very hot or very cold foods and drinks. Your child probably has a cavity! Over 500 million children get a cavity each year worldwide. Go ahead and call your trusted local dentist to schedule an appointment to have it examined and treated. Don’t make the mistake of waiting, or even worse, not having the cavity treated at all. If you’re considering just trying to forget the cavity is there, you will quickly learn that this is a terrible idea. Below we explain why you should never leave a cavity untreated.
Tooth Enamel & Bone are Not Alike
While tooth enamel and bone have many similarities, a key difference is the fact that tooth enamel does not heal or regenerate. Unlike bone, which can heal when broken, tooth enamel never comes back once it begins to decay. This is why having cavities filled promptly is so important.
Potential Risks of Not Treating a Cavity Promptly
Wondering what could happen if you ignore your child’s cavity? Here’s a list of the most common results we see when patients put off having a cavity treated:
Spread to Adjacent Teeth
Tooth decay is pervasive, so once it starts, it will continue to grow and grow until treated. What begins as a tiny spot in one tooth can quickly grow into a massive area of decay that involves multiple teeth.
Damage to the Pulp Chamber
Decay that allows bacteria to get into the tooth’s inner pulp chamber will lead to inflammation, infection, and eventual death of the delicate tissues that make up the dental pulp. This will compromise the roots of the tooth and most likely cause severe pain.
Severe Pain
As mentioned above, cavities can cause severe pain. This is because the tooth is full of nervous tissue, which fires off pain signals when affected by tooth decay and infection. Some people describe tooth pain as the worst pain they’ve ever experienced. Unfortunately, many people wait until they’re in pain before they seek treatment.
Extreme Sensitivity
While one of the initial symptoms of a cavity is sensitivity to extremely hot or cold foods and drinks, as the cavity progresses, the sensitivity will grow. Soon, eating anything will cause the nerves in the affected tooth to act up.
Loss of a Tooth
Once the cavity penetrates the tooth beyond a certain point, there is no saving the tooth and it must be removed. Missing teeth can cause other health issues, so dentists always try to preserve the natural teeth when possible, even if the tooth has to be crowned. Unfortunately, once tooth decay has infected the pulp and roots of the tooth, not much can be done other than an extraction.
Bone Loss
One of the resulting health complications of missing teeth are subsequent bone loss in the jawbone. Without the tooth anchored into the jawbone, some people begin slowly losing bone mass in that area. This makes it difficult to perform a restorative or cosmetic correction in the future and may require a bone graft to fix.
Infection
Perhaps the worst potential risk of neglecting a cavity is the risk of developing an infection. The infection will begin locally in the affected tooth, but can then quickly spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream. Infections can cause a multitude of health problems in the future and can be fatal if left untreated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cavities
Does filling a cavity hurt?
Since we use a local anesthetic before a cavity treatment, it should not be painful. However, some people are highly sensitive due to the level of decay in the tooth being treated. Always discuss your child’s pain level with the dentist so they can help you find alternative ways to ease discomfort.
Do I have to get silver fillings?
No, we offer tooth-colored composite fillings that look much more natural than old school silver amalgam fillings. Composite fillings are matched so close to your natural teeth that even you will have a hard time spotting them.
Cavity Treatment in Hudson Valley
Cavities are a common occurrence in kids and need to be treated promptly. If you’re in the Hudson Valley area, trust Briarcliff Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics with all your child’s dental care needs. Our expert team has the education, experience, and compassion your child needs to feel comfortable and well cared-for. Schedule an appointment today by calling 914-762-6260 or requesting an appointment online.
Parents and young athletes are gearing up for a season filled with sports practices, games, and activities as the new school year approaches. While sports offer numerous benefits, such as physical fitness, teamwork, and discipline, they also come with risks to dental health.
At Briarcliff Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe in taking proactive measures to ensure that your child can enjoy their sports activities without compromising their dental well-being. This blog post will guide you through the impact of sports on dental health and offer preventive measures to keep those pearly whites safe.
The Link Between Sports and Dental Injuries in Children
Dental injuries are surprisingly common among young athletes. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), sports activities account for a significant number of childhood dental injuries. These injuries can range from fractured or chipped teeth to even more severe damage like tooth avulsion (complete dislodgement). Due to their physical nature, sports such as soccer, basketball, and baseball carry a high risk.
The Importance of Mouthguards in Preventing Dental Trauma
A mouthguard is one of the best ways to prevent sports-related dental injuries. Studies have shown that dental mouthguards can reduce the risk of sports-related dental injuries by up to 60%. They act as a cushion, absorbing the impact and protecting the teeth, gums, and jaw from injury.
Tips for Selecting the Right Mouthguard
Parents often ask, "What type of mouthguard is best for my child?" Here are some tips to consider:
- Custom-Fit Mouthguards: These are made for your child's mouth and offer the best protection and comfort. While they may be more expensive, they are worth the investment for serious athletes.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: These are available at sporting goods stores and can be molded to fit your child's teeth after being softened in boiling water. They offer a good balance between protection and cost.
- Stock Mouthguards: These are off the shelf and ready to wear. However, they often fit poorly and can make breathing and speaking difficult, which may deter kids from wearing them consistently.
Proper Oral Hygiene for Athletes
Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital for athletes. The increased physical activity can lead to dehydration and a dry mouth, which reduces saliva flow and increases the risk of gum disease and cavities. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Hydrate Well: Ensure your child drinks plenty of water before, during, and after sports activities.
- Brushing and Flossing: Encourage your child or teen to brush their teeth twice each day and floss every day to remove plaque and food particles.
- Healthy Diet: Limit sugary snacks and drinks that contribute to tooth decay. Opt for nutritious snacks like fruits, vegetables, and cheese.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Scheduling regular dental check-ups is essential for the early detection and prevention of sports-related dental issues. Your dentist can identify potential oral health problems and provide important guidance tailored to your child's needs. They can also advise on the best type of mouthguard and how to care for it properly.
What to Do in Case of a Dental Emergency
Despite all preventive measures, dental emergencies can still happen. Here's what you should do if your child experiences a dental injury:
- Chipped or Fractured Tooth: Rinse the mouth with lukewarm water, applying a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort. Save any broken-off pieces of the tooth and visit the dentist immediately.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Hold the tooth by the crown (the part that shows in the mouth) and rinse it with water if dirty. Do not apply pressure when cleaning the tooth or remove any attached tissue. Try to put the tooth back in the socket if possible. If not, place it in a milk or saline solution container and see a dentist within 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child wear braces and still use a mouthguard?
Yes, there are special mouthguards designed to fit over braces. Your dentist can help you choose the right one.
How often should my child replace their mouthguard?
It’s recommended that the mouthguard be replaced every season or if it shows signs of wear and tear.
Call Briarcliff Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics
Sports can significantly impact your child's dental health, but you can minimize these risks with the proper preventive measures. Ready to take the next step in safeguarding your child's dental health? Please schedule a consultation with one of our Briarcliff Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics experts today by calling 914-762-6260.
If you have children, you know that they can be quite accident-prone. One of the accidents almost all children have at some point is chipping a tooth. Whether it’s from an unexpected fall or taking a baseball to the face, chipped teeth are common for children. The most important thing for you to remember when your child chips a tooth is to not panic. Panicking never makes the situation better and can make the entire experience, including any visits to the dentist, very traumatic for your child.
Schedule an Emergency Visit With Your Child’s Dentist
As soon as you realize that your child has chipped a tooth, call your pediatric dentist immediately to schedule an emergency evaluation. Even though a chipped tooth might seem like no big deal, sometimes there can be underlying damage that can lead to bigger problems later on. By visiting the dentist as soon as possible, your child will have the best chance of recovering from the injury without further issues. Don’t forget to take any tooth fragments you can find with you to the visit.
Rinse Your Child’s Mouth
Have your child rinse their mouth out completely with cold water to completely remove any tooth fragments, blood, or other foreign objects still in the mouth. The cold water will also help reduce any swelling.
Apply a Cold Compress
To further reduce any swelling from the injury, apply a cold compress to your child’s mouth in the area where the chipped tooth is located. Only leave the cold compress on for 15 minutes at a time and never put ice directly against the skin…always put some type of barrier in between like a washcloth.
Give Your Child a Soft Diet
Until you can get to the dentist, and even after the dentist visit until your child’s discomfort has subsided, give your child a soft diet to minimize irritation and reduce the risk of future injury. A soft diet includes things like puddings, soups, smoothies, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes.
Give Ibuprofen as Needed
If your child is in pain from the chipped tooth injury, you can give them the appropriate amount of ibuprofen for their weight, assuming they are not allergic or otherwise contraindicated. If in doubt, consult with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist before giving any medications.
Monitor for Future Issues
After your child has been checked out by a pediatric dentist, it’s still important to monitor them for any signs of infection, pain, or other issues. Advise them to avoid hard foods and take fall precautions to avoid future injuries. For toddlers, monitor them closely while walking until they are steady on their feet, and keep them away from hard or sharp surfaces.
It’s also important for your child to visit the dentist at least twice each year for exams and cleanings. Proper routine dental care is the best thing you can do to help your child have great dental health for the rest of their life!
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Dental Care
When should my child start visiting the dentist?
Children should have their first dental visit with a qualified pediatric dentist when their first tooth begins to emerge or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.
What type of toothpaste should my toddler use?
Toddlers should brush twice daily just like mom and dad, but always use fluoride-free toothpaste that is specially designed for toddlers and young children.
Chipped Tooth Care for Children in Briarcliff Manor, NY
Does your child need emergency dental care for a recently chipped tooth? Briarcliff Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics is here to help your child navigate the new world of child-focused dental care. We can make sure their chipped teeth haven't caused more serious problems, educate them on proper dental care, and make sure they leave our office with a smile every single time. For more information or to make an appointment, call us at 914-762-6260 or contact us online today!
Most pediatric dentists recommend that children ages 12 months and up visit the dentist at least twice yearly. Some dentists recommend more frequent visits. Babies should start visiting a pediatric dentist when their first tooth emerges, usually before 12 months.
Benefits of Early Dental Care
Children Feel More Comfortable
When children visit the dentist early, they build warm, trusting relationships with practitioners. Positive experiences at the dentist build a sense of confidence and security. Children who receive early care are less likely to develop dental anxiety or phobia in later life.
Track Development
Pediatric dentists can track a child's oral development and detect any potential issues that may arise in later years.
Detect Problems at Earlier Stages
Regular visits enable pediatric dentists to find problems like tooth decay before they become severe. The sooner these issues receive treatment, the more likely the child can continue to enjoy excellent oral health.
Support Lifelong Oral Health
Children who receive early dental care grow into adults with better oral health. They maintain positive home care habits and enjoy better outcomes. They have lower rates of tooth decay, gum disease, and other potentially costly problems.
How A Pediatric Dental Visit Works
The dentist may order X-rays for older children, though these are generally limited in younger children unless the child has a history of tooth decay.
The next step is teeth cleaning. The dentist or hygienist uses a gentle polishing tool to remove plaque and stains.
Next, the dentist performs a complete oral exam. The dentist checks the teeth for proper development and looks for possible problems. If the doctor ordered X-rays, they will review them.
Pediatric dentists and hygienists teach children and parents how to care for their teeth at home properly. They answer questions about feeding and childhood habits.
The visit typically ends with a fluoride treatment. Many pediatric dentists today use a varnish that hardens upon contact with saliva and is safe for the youngest children.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Dental Care
Why should I choose a pediatric dentist over a family dentist?
Pediatric dentists receive three years of extra training and education to teach them to work with children. They make dental visits fun and engaging. Their offices center around children's needs, with special child-sized equipment for comfort.
Pediatric dentists have special skills for calming, distracting, and comforting anxious patients. They also have a gift for teaching children important lessons about their oral health in a gentle, memorable way.
Should I brush my baby's teeth?
It's essential to clean your baby's teeth. Before the first teeth emerge, gently wipe the gums with a damp baby washcloth after each feeding. When the baby's teeth appear, brush them with a soft infant toothbrush and a tiny smear of children's fluoride toothpaste. Brush twice a day.
Call Briarcliff Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics
We can help you introduce your child to dental care and start them on the path toward lifelong oral health. Please call our Briarcliff Manor, NY, office at 914-762-6260 to schedule an appointment today.