Pediatric Dentists Answer Parents' Most Frequently Asked Questions

Online, September 25, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Raising a child can lead to a lot of questions for new parents, and many are not aware of some of the basics when it comes to their child's oral health.

The pediatric dentists at South OC Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics are asked many questions by new parents every day, so much so that they have added a FAQ page to their website in order to educate parents about what to expect when it comes to their child's teeth.

Through the new FAQ page, the experienced team of pediatric dentists will now be able to provide answers to the most frequently asked questions they get at their medical practice in Mission Veijo and Laguna Hills. This is an important resource as children's dental care should begin before they even have teeth. For instance, one of the tips mentioned on the FAQ page is that when a child is first born, the parent should get a soft baby toothbrush and massage the child's gums with it. Furthermore, it is also a good idea to add a small amount of toothpaste to the brush in order to allow the child to get used to the taste and feeling of the brush inside their mouth and on their gums.

Below is a sample of some of the questions parents have asked along with the dentists' responses. For the complete list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit the South OC Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics' website.

1. What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.

2. How do you protect a child's teeth during sporting events?

Soft plastic mouth guards can be used to protect a child's teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. A custom-fitted mouth guard developed by a pediatric dentist will protect your child from injuries to the teeth, face and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.

3. Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?

Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of three, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist.

4. How do you make a child's diet safe for his teeth?

Make sure your child has a balanced diet, including one serving each of: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat, fish and eggs. Limiting the servings of sugars and starches will also aid in protecting your child's teeth from decay. You can also ask your pediatric dentist to help you select foods that protect your children's teeth.

5. What should be done if a child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth?

The most important thing to do is to remain calm. Then find the tooth. Hold it by the crown rather than the root and try to reinsert it in the socket. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk and take your child and the glass immediately to the pediatric dentist.

There are many additional sources that list great ideas for keeping a child's teeth clean and healthy. The American Dental Association recommends that a baby should be taken to the dentist no later than their first birthday, and also advises that caring for a baby's teeth is important because the teeth will make room in the jaw and mouth for the adult teeth to come in properly.

The dentists at South OC Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Mission Veijo, California provide pediatric dentistry to children as well as orthodontic services throughout childhood and the teenage years.

The office at South OC Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is fully computerized and utilizes state-of-the-art dental software and digital x-rays. Using advanced digital radiography, the team can evaluate children's teeth more accurately, with up to 90% less radiation compared to conventional dental x-rays. In addition, they follow strict OSHA guidelines in all the sterilization techniques. Their dedication to keeping abreast of the most current dental research and using the latest dental equipment enables them to provide the highest standard of care.