What dental problems could my child have?

Some dental problems begin very early in life. One concern is early childhood tooth decay, a serious condition caused by a child staying on the bottle (or breast) too long. Another problem is gum disease. About 40 percent of children 2 to 3 years old have at least mild inflammation of gum tissues. Oral habits (such as finger-sucking) are also a concern. The earlier your child begins seeing a dentist, the less likely your child is to have problems. Strong, healthy teeth help your child chew food easily, speak clearly, and feel confident about his or her appearance.

Why are baby teeth so important?

Primary teeth are important because they help with proper chewing and eating, with speech development, and contribute to a positive self-image. A child who can chew easily, speak clearly, and smile confidently is a happier child. Healthy primary teeth allow normal development of the jaw bones and muscles, save space for the permanent teeth, and guide them into the correct place. If a baby tooth is lost too soon, permanent teeth may come in crooked. Decayed baby teeth can cause pain, abscesses, infections, and can spread to the permanent teeth. Also, your child’s general health can be negatively impacted if diseased baby teeth go untreated. Some primary molars are not replaced until ages 10 to 14, so they must be strong enough to last until then.

What about preventative care?

At Dentistry for Kids, we focus on all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest technology and materials available to protect your child’s teeth, such as sealants. Sealants are space-age plastics which are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone teeth. This is just one way we will set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.

What about sterilization?

Your health and peace of mind are always our primary concern; therefore, we use state-of-the-art sterilization procedures. After each patient’s visit, the treatment area is thoroughly disinfected. We ultrasonically clean and heat-sterilize all non-disposable instruments. Our staff wear gloves and masks during procedures. Please feel free to ask us for a tour of our sterilization area or for more information on how we ensure the safety of you and your children.

Are X- Rays Safe for my child?

Dental x-rays have been used for over 100 years. X-rays show us the condition of the teeth, their roots, jaw placement and the overall composition and health of the facial bones. They reveal abscesses and abnormal growths such as cysts or tumors. They help us locate impacted teeth and cavities. X-rays can also determine the presence and extent of periodontal disease.

Occasionally, parents have concerns over the safety of x-rays. At Dentistry for Kids, we understand your concerns and are proud to share that we use the latest in digital x-ray technology. Digital radiographs emit an extremely low-level radiation, very similar to the radiation we absorb from the sun, the earth’s crust and even the air we breathe!