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Frequently
Asked Questions 1.
When should I bring my child to see the dentist?
2. I thought cavities are going away. How come you need to see children
so young?
3.
But I don't give my child soda, I only give him/her juice. How come
it looks like he/she is getting cavities?
4.
When should I start brushing my child's teeth, and what about using
toothpaste?
5. My child
has cavities. What will you do?
6. Do you
use silver amalgam fillings?
7.
My child looks like a shark; there are two rows of teeth. Do you need
to pull them?
8.
Will I be allowed in the room during exam and treatment?
9.
If my child is too afraid or has very sensitive cavities, what will
you do? 1.
When should I bring my child to see the dentist?
We recommend the
child's first dental visit be between one and two and a half
years. This allows us to quickly exam your child for obvious sings of
decay but more importantly, it allows us to discuss with you the many
causes of cavities and how to prevent them.
2.
I thought cavities are going away. How come you need to see children so
young?
Cavities are on the
rise again. There is a delicate interplay taking place in getting cavities; it is
not just eating sugar or candy. In fact, it is a combination of what
you eat, how frequently you eat, your genetic ability to fight decay
through tooth hardness and saliva, and your use of preventative
measures such as brushing, flossing, and toothpaste with fluoride.
3.
But I don't give my child soda, I only give him/her juice. How come
it looks like he/she is getting cavities?
The frequency of
drinking the juice is key as well as the length of time juice is being
drunk. There are 39 grams of sugar in a 12 oz. can of soda. In a 6 oz.
glass of juice, there are between 25 and 29 grams - more than soda! In
fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends no more than 6 ounces of juice per child per day because it
is "empty calories"
4.
When should I start brushing my child's teeth, and what about using
toothpaste?
Start brushing the gums
with a soft toothbrush as early as you can and especially after the
teeth erupt. Use a fluoridated, "ADA accepted" toothpaste
when the molars pop through. A tiny drop is all you will need, and it
is not harmful if swallowed. Don't try to rinse, gently wipe.
5.
My child has cavities. What will you do?
Every child is
different and we tailor the treatment plan for them. In some cases, it
is preventative intervention known as anticipatory guidance. It might
involve a fluoride varnish, or it might involve a filling. If a tooth
is near being lost, it may include just waiting. This is all part of
your child's "Cavities Risk Assessment."
6.
Do you use silver amalgam fillings?
Our office uses bonded
composite resin fillings which are esthetically pleasing, durable, and
long lasting. They are more difficult to place and technique sensitive
than the silver amalgam fillings, but we have found parents like them
more. In some cases, we need to use stainless steel crowns in the back
of the mouth for extremely damaged teeth.
7.
My child looks like a shark; there are two rows of teeth. Do you need
to pull them?
Most of the time we
don't. There is no study that proves that taking those teeth out
changes if your child will need braces or not, and they always fall
out in the end. The permanent teeth always form behind the lower
teeth. The tongue will eventually move them forwards. If necessary, we
will consult with an orthodontist for a comprehensive assessment.
8.
Will I be allowed in the room during exam and treatment?
We have an open door
policy. Parents are invited in if they wish. Some children do better
with parents present, some without. It is unique for each child. We
can help you make the decision.
9.
If my child is too afraid or has very sensitive cavities, what will
you do?
We use many forms of
behavioral training to help a child get through a visit. Some children
require the use of sedating medicines or general anesthesia to
complete their treatment. We offer these services in our office or at
a medical center when indicated.
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