EMERGENCY INFORMATION
What do I do if my child is in an accident?
If your child has an accident, please call our office as soon as possible. We will see your child immediately. If it is an after hours emergency, a pager number will be given on our answering machine.
The first thirty minutes after an accident are the most critical to treatment of dental trauma. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, gently rinse, but do not scrub the tooth under water. If this is impossible, place the tooth in a glass of milk or a clean wet cloth and come to the office immediately. If the tooth is fractured, please bring in any pieces you can find. Our schedule may be delayed in order to accommodate an injured child. Please accept our apologies in advance should an emergency occur during your child's appointment.
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION:
Office: 704-749-5700
If you are unable to reach us, please contact your local emergency center.
If your child has an accident, please call our office as soon as possible. We will see your child immediately. If it is an after hours emergency, a pager number will be given on our answering machine.
The first thirty minutes after an accident are the most critical to treatment of dental trauma. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, gently rinse, but do not scrub the tooth under water. If this is impossible, place the tooth in a glass of milk or a clean wet cloth and come to the office immediately. If the tooth is fractured, please bring in any pieces you can find. Our schedule may be delayed in order to accommodate an injured child. Please accept our apologies in advance should an emergency occur during your child's appointment.
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION:
Office: 704-749-5700
If you are unable to reach us, please contact your local emergency center.
What is a pediatric dentist?
Pediatric dentists have two to three years of specialized training following dental school and treat children only, infancy through their teenage years.
When should I start cleaning my baby's teeth?
You can start by gently cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft, clean cloth or an infant toothbrush and water. When the first tooth erupts, around six months, brush at least once a day at bed time. Young children lack the manual dexterity required to brush their teeth effectively, so it is the parent’s responsibility until about the age eight.
When should my child have their first dental check-up?
Your child should see a pediatric dentist when their first tooth appears, or no later than their first birthday.
Why are baby teeth so important?
It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth, or baby teeth are important for:
(1) proper chewing and eating,
(2) providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and
(3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles.
Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. While the front four teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) are not replaced until age 10-13.
(1) proper chewing and eating,
(2) providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and
(3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles.
Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. While the front four teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) are not replaced until age 10-13.
What are dental sealants?
A dental sealant is a plastic, professionally-applied material that is put on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (premolars and molars) to prevent cavities. Sealants provide a physical barrier so that cavity-causing bacteria cannot invade the pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
Knocked out permanent tooth, what do I do?
If the permanent tooth is dirty, hold the tooth by the crown (not the root) and carefully rinse off. Do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments. Try to gently re-insert and hold the tooth in its socket. If you are unable to do this, place the tooth in a cup of milk and get to your pediatric dentist as quickly as possible. Don't forget to take the tooth with you!
If the knocked out tooth is a baby tooth, do not try to reimplant it. This could damage the developing permanent tooth.
If the knocked out tooth is a baby tooth, do not try to reimplant it. This could damage the developing permanent tooth.
What is nitrous oxide sedation?
Nitrous oxide (N2O) or laughing gas, is colorless, sweet-smelling, and nonirritating and when administered will create a state of mild sedation. This technique is advantageous for those patients that experience mild anxiety and fear when visiting the dentist. This technique's use is dependent upon the level of anxiety of the patient.
Why are x-rays taken?
X-rays are extremely useful and important as a diagnostic tool and may reveal the following information:
- position of your teeth
- impacted teeth
- presence and extent of dental decay
- any bone damage
- an abscessed tooth
- jaw fracture
- any malocclusion of teeth
- other abnormalities of the jaw bone or teeth
What about my child's diet?
To help protect your child’s teeth from decay, limit the servings of sugar and starches and refrain from eating sugars and starches (including juices) after brushing the teeth at night.
Eruption of your child's teeth
Children's teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first primary (or baby) teeth to erupt through the gums are the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors. Although all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and order of their eruption varies.
Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until approximately age 21.
Adults have 28 permanent teeth, or up to 32 including the third molars (or wisdom teeth).
Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until approximately age 21.
Adults have 28 permanent teeth, or up to 32 including the third molars (or wisdom teeth).
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance that can be used to strengthen your child¹s teeth and prevent tooth decay. There are two primary ways that fluoride can be beneficial to your oral health. Systemic‹: This type of fluoride is ingested through drinking fluoridated water or fluoride supplements prescribed by your pediatric dentist or physician. In the correct amounts, fluoride will make developing teeth stronger by incorporating itself into the tooth enamel. Too much systemic fluoride may cause fluorosis, a condition which causes white or yellow/brown spots on the teeth. Topical‹: This type of fluoride is applied to the erupted teeth. It can be found in most toothpastes, many rinses or prescribed gels. Topical fluoride strengthens erupted teeth.
Additional dental information
Click above for frequently asked questions
American Dental Association - Oral Health Topics
Click above for Oral Health Information