Pediatric Dentistry

You can use any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head. These are especially designed for infants and must be used at least once a day before bedtime.

Primary teeth are important because they help your child to speak properly and chew normally. These baby teeth also prepare the space when it’s time for the permanent teeth to grow.

Rinse the affected area with warm salt water and apply a cold compress on your child’s face in case it is swollen. You can give your child some over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen for pain relief. Avoid placing aspirin on the kid’s teeth or gums. And of course, visit your pediatric dentist as soon as possible.

From birth, you can begin cleaning and massaging your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or a clean cloth with water. As soon as the baby teeth erupt, you can start applying a smear of fluoride toothpaste on the child’s toothbrush.

When the child turns 3, you can increase the amount to a pea-sized dollop and make sure you assist him/her while brushing. Make sure to let your kids spit out the excess toothbrush after brushing.

If your child needs to nurse to fall asleep, refrain from putting anything other than water in their feeding bottle. In case your baby falls asleep while feeding, remove the bottle when he/she stops sucking. Slowly introduce your child to drinking from a cup at six months. Make sure to regularly brush and floss your kid’s teeth as soon as two primary teeth are touching.

If your child has been thumbsucking and using the pacifier for a long time, this might cause some problems on the way their teeth would line up. While most kids stop these habits on their own, your pediatric dentist may recommend a mouth appliance if your child finds it difficult to stop the habit.

When you prepare your child’s meals, make sure to include one serving of each: fruits and vegetables, bread and cereals, milk and dairy products, as well as meat, fish and eggs. Limit the serving of sugary and starchy foods to protect your child’s teeth from decay.

Dental sealants are used to protect the crevices of the chewing surfaces of the teeth. These prevent any food particles from getting stuck on teeth which may eventually cause cavities. Your pediatric dentist may recommend dental sealants as a painless and preventative way to protect your child’s teeth for a long time.