Pediatric Dental Questions
What kinds of services do you offer for kids?
We are your child’s full service dental provider, providing practically all of the same services that we would for your teeth. This includes regular checkups and cleanings, cavity fillings and treatment of all the little things before they turn into larger, more costly problems. But rest assured, if there is ever a special procedure that we feel would be best performed by another specialist, we will refer you to an outside professional.
At what age should my child start visiting Broadway Dental?
To ensure your child’s dental health is set for a great future, we recommend making your first appointment around 1 year of age, or when teeth become visible. From there, we will make recommendations for visit frequency based on the checkup results. If you’ve already missed that age, come see us as soon as you can—certainly no later than your child’s fifth birthday.
My child is scared to visit the dentist. What should I do?
It’s normal to expect a little uncertainty about something new, whether it’s a haircut, a first bike ride, or a visit to the dentist. Once your child is here, we will do everything within our ability to create an easygoing (and even fun!) experience that will help ease many fears. We provide comforting smiles, clear explanation to the child of what we’ll be doing in their mouth and fun diversions like in-room TV and treats afterward.
Give us a call!
If you think your child may have trouble on the very first appointment, we recommend a “meet and greet” — Give us a call and set up a time prior to your actual appointment, when you can bring your child in for a friendly visit. We’ll take your little one around our office with a smile, provide a fun treat and some tooth care items, helping them understand that a visit to the dentist is always a good thing!
How to avoid baby bottle tooth decay
What causes it?
Baby bottle tooth decay, also called bottle syndrome, is a serious condition than can destroy your child’s primary (baby) teeth. It occurs when teeth are frequently exposed to liquids that contain sugar, such as milk, formula or fruit juice.
Harmful bacteria feed on sugars
The liquid from the bottle pools around your child’s teeth, providing food for decay-causing bacteria. The bacteria form acids that dissolve tooth enamel, causing decay. Any liquid containing sugar – even breast milk – can cause decay-producing acid attacks on your child’s teeth.
Preventing baby bottle tooth decay
- Clean your child’s teeth after each feeding
- Never give a bottle in bed, unless it contains water
- Begin flossing your child’s teeth daily once all primary teeth have come in
- Bring your child in to see us as soon as the first tooth erupts