Pediatric Dentistry FAQ
- When should my child first see a pediatric dentist?
- How often should my child see the dentist?
- What if my child has special needs?
- Will X-rays be taken?
- How can we prevent cavities?
- Why are sealants recommended?
- Is it important to have my child use fluoride?
- Why does my child grind his teeth at night?
- Thumb Sucking
- Does the Pediatric Dentist use oral sedation?
The American Dental Association recommends starting your child’s dental care early. They should see the pediatric dentist as soon as the first baby tooth erupts of by age 1. It will get the baby started on the right foot for great tooth development and will be a positive and enjoyable experience.
We recommend a dental checkup at least twice a year for most children. Some children may need more frequent dental visits because of increased risk or tooth decay, unusual growth patterns or poor oral hygiene. We will discuss with the best appointment schedule for your child.
Patients with medical, physical or mental disabilities often present unique challenges & dental needs. An important part of the specialized training a pediatric dentist receives, is addressing the medical and dental health needs of such special patients.
X-rays are taken only when necessary. A modern Pediatric Dental office that offers digital, high-tech X-ray equiement helps to limit unnecessary exposure to your child. Digital X-rays use 50-85% less X-rays than traditional machines. We will discuss with you your child’s needs for X-rays before they are taken.
Good oral hygiene removes bacteria and the left over food particles that combine to create cavitites. Avoid putting your child to be with a bottle filled with anything other than water. For older children, brush their teeth at least twice a day. Also, watch the number of snacks containg sugar that you give your children.
Dental sealants act as a barrier protecting teeth against decay causing bacteria. Sealants are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often.
Flouride has been shown to be extremely beneficial to developing teeth. Too much or too little fouride can be detrimental. Flouride should not be given to children under the age of six month. After all sources of ingested fluoride have been accounted for, your Pediatric Dentist will be able to prescribe the correct dosage.
Parents are often concerned with grinding (bruxism) which occurs frequently at night. The majority of cases of pediatric bruxism do not require treatment. However if excessive wear on the teeth becomes apparent, a mout guard may be indicated. In older children stress can be a factor in grinding. If you suspect there is a problem or you can clearly see the excessive wear on the teeth, please speak with the Pediatric Dentist.
Many infants and young children use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers and other objects as a natural reflex on which to suck. It may make them feel secure, happy or relaxed helping them to sleep. Thumb sucking that persists can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment. Thumb sucking should cease by the time the permanent front teeth erupt. If you have difficulty stopping the habit, you should speak with the Pediatric Dentist or the Orthodontist for help.
Yes. Dr. Sorensen uses nitrous oxide and oral sedation when necessary for apprehensive patients and patients with extensive dental needs. Nitrous oxide helps relieve the anxiety some children may have. It possesses a rapid onset and elimination from the body so the child is able to proceed normally after their appointment. Some patients may need to go to the hospital for their dental treatment. Dr. Sorensen will use IV anesthesia when seeing patients at NorthEastern Nevada Regional Hospital. This will allow children to be completely asleep during their procedures. We will discuss with you carefully the options to decide what your best treatment plan is.
