Being a parent, you want what’s best for your child and that starts with asking questions. At Pediatric Dentistry we specialize in dental care for children, and we are your best source when it comes to your child’s oral health. We want to complement your hard work at home with top quality service at our office. Our doctors and staff make our office a warm and inviting place for kids to relax and view dental care a positive experience, not one to shy away from. We would love to add you to our family, just give us a call today (406) 449-0189!
WHAT IS A BOARD-CERTIFIED PEDIATRIC DENTIST?
Board Certification is a voluntary process, and one that is very different from dental licensure. Obtaining a dental license sets the minimum competency requirements to diagnose and treat patients, it is not specialty specific. Pediatric Board Certification demonstrates a dentists exceptional expertise in a particular specialty and/or subspecialty of dental practice.
WHAT IS A PEDIATRIC DENTIST?
Simply, a pediatric dentist specializes in dental care for children. Doctors spend an extra two years training in pediatric dentistry after they graduate from dentistry school. That said, kids and teens have specific needs when it comes to oral care, and it gives us an opportunity to help teach them healthy dental habits early in their lives that they can then carry with them into adulthood.
WHEN SHOULD A CHILD FIRST VISIT A PEDIATRIC DENTIST?
A child should visit the dentist by their first birthday. Leading up to their first visit, a parent can inform the child of the visit and reassure them that the dentist and staff will explain the procedures and answer any questions.
WHY ARE PRIMARY TEETH SO IMPORTANT?
Primary teeth, or baby teeth, are important for chewing and eating, providing space and guiding permanent teeth into place, and are necessary for proper jawbone and muscle development. Caring for these teeth not only sets the tone for healthy dental habits going forward, but also prevents cavities and issues for the development of permanent teeth.
HOW DO YOU CARE FOR YOUR CHILD’S TEETH
We recommend using a rice grain size of fluoride toothpaste when the first tooth erupts. A pea size amount of toothpaste is recommended when children turn 3. Between ages 4 and 5, children can start brushing their own teeth WITH supervision.
HOW DO I PREVENT CAVITIES?
Daily brushings and flossing, a healthy diet, as well as regular visits with a dentist for cleanings and fluoride treatments can help prevent cavities. Brushing and flossing daily help keep the unhealthy plaque off teeth that weakens tooth enamel and invites decay in. A healthy diet, one that minimizes sugar intake, again helps keep teeth strong. Regular visits to a dentist can help with deeper cleanings, as well as find the onset of any decay and provide a plan to fix it.
WHAT IS BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY?
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is tooth decay stemming from the long-term exposure to sugary liquids. The sugar from sweetened drinks like, milk, fruit juice, and formula accumulate around the child’s teeth and gums. These sugars fuel the bacteria and start decaying the tooth as a result.
DOES YOUR CHILD SUCK HIS/HER THUMB?
Sucking is a natural instinct for infants. Many times this habit gives them the sense of security along with the means for ingesting their food, which makes it a difficult habit to break. However, if thumb sucking lasts after permanent teeth erupt, it can cause issues with proper growth and alignment of teeth in their mouths. Help your child by praising them for when they don’t suck their thumb, rather than scolding them when they do. You can take it a step further by rewarding your child, especially during difficult times.