Child Dentistry
Parents want to be sure to purchase dental coverage that meets the needs of their children. A common question for parents is when coverage should begin. The answer varies, but most doctors recommend that parents begin early. Remember that the health of baby teeth can affect the health of permanent teeth that will replace them. In children, dentists check the placement as well as the health of permanent teeth waiting to replace baby teeth. For this reason, whether families sign on to a group or individual insurance plan, all family members, including young children, need access to sound dental care. In addition to a dental insurance plan, parents need to know the basics involved in caring for a child’s teeth. For example: brushing should begin early and should be done two to three times per day, particularly at night. Browse the articles below to learn more about this and other topics in pediatric dental care.
03/08/2006
International & American Association for Dental Research
State children's health insurance program affects access to dental care and use of dental services
Access to dental care is a major problem for low-income children in the United States. States have been able to make important gains in removing financial barriers to health care since 1997 because of Federal legislation to establish the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The program is the most significant expansion of public health insurance since the Medicaid program began in the 1960s.
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03/03/2006
Q: I know my baby needs to chew while her teeth are coming in, but I'm not sure on what. People have suggested cold washcloths, teething rings, baby biscuits, frozen bagels, even carrots! What's best?
A: Most dentists are quick to recommend teething rings, particularly the water-filled kind that can be refrigerated so they're cooling to the gums. Food-based teethers should be used sparingly, because they leave a residue that can cause tooth decay (and, in the case of foods such as chilled carrots or apple slices, carry an additional risk of choking).
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03/02/2006
Take care of your child's smile for life
With a baby, everything is a first and that includes the first adorable smile. To ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) recommends that your child’s first trip to a dentist occurs six months after his or her first tooth erupts.
According to an article in the February 2006 issue of AGD Impact, the AGD’s monthly newsmagazine, this is the ideal time to visit, since it allows the dentist to examine the development of the child’s mouth.
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03/01/2006
Infants who fall asleep drinking from a bottle have a greater chance of tooth decay. Prolonged thumb-sucking can cause crooked teeth. And children younger than 2 years old should not use fluoridated toothpaste.
Did you know that?
Parents should make their children's dental health a priority, said Dr. Derek Tom, a pediatric dentist in 'Aiea.
Especially considering the statistics: Tooth decay is nearly 100 percent higher among Hawai'i children than among children on the Main-land, according to Healthy Smiles Hawai'i, a dental health education program by Dental Health Hawai'i.
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03/01/2006
As National Children's Dental Health Month enters its final week, we should think about the thousands of children in our state without access to dental care, and what measures we can take to improve the poor oral health of New Hampshire's children. It's a good time to think about the public health benefits of fluoridated water.
Fifty years ago, it was discovered that people who lived in communities with naturally fluoridated drinking water had far less tooth decay than people in similar communities without fluoridated water.
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02/25/2006
Children should begin visiting the pediatric
dentist no later than their second birthday. A child's initial
dental visits often set the tone for subsequent attitudes
about dental care and oral health. It is quite important to
establish good feelings about going to the dentist. Dr. Brownstein's
goal is not for your child to have tolerable visits to the
office, but to have great and exciting visits so they will
enjoy visiting the dentist for a lifetime!
During your first visit to WVPD, you and your child will become
familiar with our office and staff.
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02/14/2006
LOS ANGELES - Alarmed at the increasing prevalence of tooth decay and cavities in children, the American Dental Association has urged kids and parents alike to pay attention to what has been dubbed as the "silent epidemic."
"National studies are showing that early decay is on the increase, and that's shocking, actually," commented Dr. Mary Hayes, a spokeswoman for the ADA. Her comments came after a study sponsored by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than 4 million preschool kids were victims of tooth decay.
This figure represented an increase of more than 600,000 children in just about a decade.
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02/14/2006
Cavities among American kids are hitting epidemic proportions, with more than 25 percent of preschoolers suffering from tooth decay, a recent federal study found.
"National studies are showing that early decay is on the increase, and that's shocking, actually," said Dr. Mary Hayes, a Chicago dentist and a spokeswoman for the American Dental Association. "It's really a silent epidemic."
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found that more than 4 million preschoolers are affected by tooth decay, a leap of more than 600,000 children in a decade.
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02/14/2006
Twice a year, many Americans comply with this request from a dentist. A trip to the dentist may not be a desirable visit but unfortunately, many children across the country do not get the opportunity to receive top-notch dental care.
That is why the American Dental Association (ADA) has set aside two days each year to "Give Kids a Smile."
The program was borne out of the St. Louis area in February 2002. A group of dentists set up a temporary full-service clinic that treated nearly 400 children over two days.
Word of the program spread and each February, the number of locations grew.
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02/11/2006
February is National Children's Dental Health Month. For new parents concerned about their baby's thumbsucking, the Jasper County Dental Society offers the following advice.
Sucking is one of a baby's natural reflexes. As infants grow, sucking serves many purposes. Infants and young children may suck on thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or toys because it makes them feel secure and happy and helps them learn about their world.
Young children may find that placing a finger or thumb into their mouth provides them with a sense of security at difficult periods such as after a scolding or when separated from their parents.
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02/10/2006
Most children dread going to the dentist, except when they miss school for a few hours. They don't get excited about tooth evaluations, cleanings and x-rays. The National Naval Medical Center's Pediatric Dentistry clinic, however, is preaching good oral hygiene to get children comfortable with good dental habits.
Dentists recommend parents take their child to a dentist within six months of receiving his first tooth. Since February is Child Dentistry Month, now may be a good time.
"Good dental care is a life long commitment," said LT Sean McDonnell, a National Naval Medical Center pediatric dentist.
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02/09/2006
Ihave a 12-year-old son who absolutely hates to brush his teeth. The dentist and I have tried to scare him and even use embarrassment tactics which never seem to work for any given amount of time. I am at a loss for his reasoning behind this and we seem to always get into fights. I am completely baffled and deeply concerned. Any ideas?
TAKE IT FROM ME
I have been a dental assistant for 20 years and I have a 12year-old son. If any arguments arise about hygiene, especially teeth-brushing, a privilege is taken away the next day.
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02/06/2006
Children's dental problems have reached epidemic proportions in
California, eclipsing other health crises including asthma and obesity,
according to a study released Sunday.
Nearly 71 percent of the state's third-graders have suffered from tooth
decay, and nearly 29 percent of kindergartners and third-graders surveyed
across California had untreated cavities, said the oral health assessment by
the Dental Health Foundation.
"It's startling to see what kinds of suffering kids go through, with or
without treatment, when they have rampant tooth decay," said Dr.
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02/05/2006
"Dr.
Lazer, what dental problems could a baby have?"
Dental problems can begin early. A
big concern is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD), which is preventable. BBTD can result from long periods of exposing baby teeth to liquids that
contain sugar including formula, milk, breast milk, and juice.
A baby who has a habit of sleeping with a baby bottle filled with any
sugary liquid or a breast in their mouth is at risk of getting BBTD.
Frequent snacking on sweet or sticky foods can also cause decay.
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02/05/2006
Six year old Bionca Wilder thought she only had six teeth when she went to the dentist office today. She found out she actually had 20. All of them healthy, bringing a sigh of relief for her mother, Shantia.
"We recently found out that my husband isn't a participant on our insurance coverage at our dentist's office," she said. "There's a lot to pay that's not covered by our insurance."
Shantia and others got a badly needed break at the 4th Annual Give Kids a Smile at MUSC. The free clinic served over 100 kids Friday.
"The goal of the project is to reduce dental disease in South Carolina," said Cindy Hipp, coordinator of the clinic.
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02/03/2006
Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine will host the Ohio Dental Association's statewide launch of Give Kids a Smile! Day Ohio as dentists across the state take steps to insure the oral health of children. Parents have given an estimated 300 children from Cleveland Municipal School District's John Raper Elementary School and members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland permission to receive a free dental check-up, cleaning and sealing of healthy teeth during the kick-off event on Friday, February 3, from 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. Dental exams of children begin at 10 a.m. and continue the late afternoon.
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02/02/2006
Ann Arbor, MI — January 26, 2006 — February is national Children's Dental Health Month, and a new study from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry shows that oral health care professionals, as well as teachers and parents, need to pay closer attention to a child's oral health since it plays a major role in their general health, quality of life, and even academic achievement.
Thousands of Students Studied
For the past two years, Dr.
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01/31/2006
If you want to ensure that your kids have healthy teeth make sure that their first dental visit is as soon as their first teeth sprout, according to UCSF researchers
Fluoride varnish, a dental preventive treatment, reduces the incidence of early childhood tooth decay in combination with dental health counseling for parents, according to a study by investigators at the UCSF School of Dentistry.
The investigators examined cavity-free infants and young children, primarily from low-income Chinese or Hispanic families in San Francisco.
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01/24/2006
Parenting tips with Moroline Whittington, a Family Therapist with Family Support Network.
Teething can be a trying time for parents and a painful time for your child.
QUESTION: When should a parent expect their child's first tooth to start coming in?
ANSWER: Teething usually begins when a baby is between 4 and 7 months old, but it's not uncommon or worrisome for the first tooth to appear as late as age 1. Typically the bottom two front teeth are the first to poke through. On average, your child will sprout a set of four new teeth every four months. She should have all 20 of her baby teeth by age 2 .
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01/22/2006
Many professionals recommend Baby Orajel Tooth & Gum Cleanser. It's specially formulated for babies and toddlers. It's made with Microdent to help remove plaque and prevent build-up. Best of all, it's fluoride-free so it's safe to swallow. Baby Orajel Tooth & Gum Cleanser also does not foam and does not contain abrasives.
Your baby will enjoy the experience because Baby Orajel Tooth & Gum Cleanser is specially flavored for babies, in Mixed Fruit or Apple-Banana.
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How do I brush my baby's teeth?
The first few times, begin by cleaning only the front teeth. Soon after, you can gradually move to the back gums.
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01/21/2006
Facts about tooth decay
Tooth decay (dental caries) is the most common chronic disease of childhood
; it is five times more frequent than asthma, for example.
25 million children and adolescents account for 80 percent of tooth decay.
5-10 percent of pre-school age children have early childhood caries. This percentage is higher in certain populations. Survey results show that 20 percent of children from low income families and 43 percent of children in some American Indian populations have early childhood caries.
Early childhood caries increases the risk for future tooth decay even if increased preventive measures are implemented.
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01/21/2006
When do they erupt?
Usually the first teeth erupt around 6 months of age. There is a lot of variation in the timing of tooth eruption. Some children are born with teeth, others may be 12 months old before the first tooth erupts. In the majority of cases the first teeth to erupt are the lower front teeth (incisors).
Around age 2-3 years all 20 primary teeth are erupted. Discuss any concerns about eruption timing and sequence with your pediatric dentist.
Teething-Virus?
Eruption of teeth is a normal physiologic process. It is not associated with fever, diarrhea, cough, rubbing of the ear or cheek, or other systemic disease.
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01/19/2006
Overview
A child's primary teeth, sometimes called "baby teeth," are as important as the permanent adult teeth. Primary teeth typically begin to appear when a baby is between age six months and one year. Primary teeth help children chew and speak. They also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are developing under the gums. The ADA recommends that a dentist examine a child within six months of the eruption of the first tooth and no later than the first birthday. A dental visit at an early age is a "well baby checkup" for the teeth.
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01/19/2006
Overview
Although newborns usually have no visible teeth, most have at least a partially developed set of primary (baby) teeth, which begin to appear as early as six months after birth. During the first few years of life, all 20 of the primary teeth will erupt through the gums. Most children have their full set of primary teeth in place by age three.
As their teeth erupt, some babies may become fussy, sleepless and irritable, lose their appetite or drool more than usual. Diarrhea, rashes and a fever are not normal for a teething baby.
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01/19/2006
Dental Care for your Baby
Policy on Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD)/Early Childhood Caries (ECC) (PDF file)
Policy on Early Childhood Caries (ECC): Unique Challenges and Treatment Options (PDF file)
Policy on Breast-feeding (PDF file)
Policy on the Use of a Caries-Risk Assessment Tool (CAT) for Infants, Children and Adolescents
American Academy of Family Physicians
Taking Care of your Child's Teeth
American Academy of Pediatrics
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
AAP Warns Parents and Pediatricians that Fruit Juice is Not Always the Healthiest Choice
Oral Health Risk Assessment Timing and Establishment of the Dental Home Policy Stat
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01/17/2006
One of the most important things you can do as a parent to protect these precious baby teeth is to make sure that you are prepared before an accident even occurs.
In our dental practice, the most common dental emergencies we encounter are (1) teeth which have been knocked out due to trauma and (2) teeth which have been chipped as a result of an accident. In either case, it is important to know what to do.
Time is the enemy when a tooth is knocked out. If a dentist is seen within one hour after an accident, chances are good that the tooth can be re-implanted and saved.
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01/16/2006
More SEALANTS
Q: How long do sealants last?
A: Research shows that sealants can last for many years if properly cared for. So, your child will be protected throughout the most cavity-prone years. If your child has good oral hygiene and avoids biting hard objects, sealants will last longer. Your pediatric dentist will check the sealants during routine dental visits and can recommend reapplication or repair when necessary.
Q: What is the treatment like?
A: The application of a sealant is quick and comfortable. It takes only one visit. The tooth is first cleaned. It is then conditioned and dried.
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01/09/2006
Baby teeth equally important
Not only do these kids experience pain from cavities, they run the risk of having their permanent teeth come in incorrectly, said Katie L. Dawson, president of the American Dental Hygienists' Association, and a dental hygienist in Oakland, Calif.
"Baby teeth direct the permanent teeth that are developing underneath," Dawson said. Failure to keep them healthy can lead to expensive orthodontia work later in childhood. "The child also suffers because of the pain in the tooth," she said.
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01/08/2006
Tooth care important in early years
by Staff Sgt. Garret Earley
75th Dental Squadron
A child’s teeth are susceptible to decay from the time of eruption of their first teeth, which is usually at about 6 months of age. This vulnerability to decay is referred to as early childhood caries, or more commonly known as “baby bottle tooth decay.”
This decay occurs in the front teeth, but other teeth may be affected as well. Fortunately, the decay process is preventable.
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