PRIMARY TEETH ARE IMPORTANT!
Your child's first set of teeth, called "primary teeth" are more important than most people realize. Healthy and cavity-free primary teeth are crucial in:
- speech development.
- proper feeding and nutrition. Oral issues can affect a child's physical and mental growth and development.
- the guidance and positioning of permanent teeth. They also act as "space-savers" in the jaw for they reduce the need for future orthodontic work.
- the development good self-esteem.
Your Child’s First Visit
Your child's first dental visit sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. That’s why we strive to make it a comfortable and enjoyable experience—often calling it a “tickle visit” to keep things light and reassuring. If the first visit is not an emergency, here’s what to expect:
Making Dental Visits Enjoyable for Children
Creating a positive experience at the dentist can help your child feel comfortable and develop healthy habits for life. Here are a few ways to make dental visits stress-free and even enjoyable:
By taking these steps, you can help your child approach dental visits with confidence and a sense of curiosity rather than fear.
- Friendly Introduction – We’ll welcome your child, show them around the office, and introduce them to some of our equipment, including the dental chair, light, mirror, and explorer (dental pick).
- Gentle Examination – We’ll assess their mouth, teeth, and gums to ensure everything is developing properly.
- Habit Evaluation – We’ll check for behaviors like thumb or finger sucking that may affect their oral health.
- Fluoride Assessment – Identifying their fluoride needs to help protect their teeth.
- Parent Guidance – We’ll provide parents with tips on effectively cleaning their child’s teeth and gums.
- Personalized Care Plan – Every child is unique, so we’ll suggest a schedule of dental visits tailored to their individual needs.
Making Dental Visits Enjoyable for Children
Creating a positive experience at the dentist can help your child feel comfortable and develop healthy habits for life. Here are a few ways to make dental visits stress-free and even enjoyable:
- Keep it Positive – Avoid sharing or letting your child overhear scary stories about the dentist.
- Stay Calm – If you have dental anxiety, try not to express it in front of your child. Your reassurance can help ease their nerves.
- Make It Familiar – Bring your child along for your dental visit or an older sibling’s appointment so they can observe the process in a relaxed setting. Allow them to play while they watch.
- Use Books to Prepare Them – Reading children’s books about dental visits can help set expectations and ease fears. A great recommendation is The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain, which explains the experience in a fun and engaging way.
By taking these steps, you can help your child approach dental visits with confidence and a sense of curiosity rather than fear.
Common Dental Issues
Children can experience a variety of dental concerns, ranging from cavities to injuries caused by accidents. Here are some of the most common dental issues and traumas:
Teething
Every baby experiences teething differently—some drool for weeks before their first tooth appears, while others seem to sprout teeth effortlessly. Teething can cause discomfort, leading to irritability, but there are ways to soothe sore gums and make the process easier for your child.
Soothing Tender Gums
Teething
Every baby experiences teething differently—some drool for weeks before their first tooth appears, while others seem to sprout teeth effortlessly. Teething can cause discomfort, leading to irritability, but there are ways to soothe sore gums and make the process easier for your child.
Soothing Tender Gums
- Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger or the back of a small, cool spoon.
- Offer a clean, cold teething ring to help relieve discomfort.
- If needed, a pediatrician or dentist may recommend acetaminophen for pain relief.
- Avoid teething biscuits, as they often contain sugar that can contribute to tooth decay.
- Parents often worry about early or late teething, but there is no correlation between when teeth come in and their strength. Each child develops at their own pace.
- The first teeth generally emerge around six months, but this timeline varies widely.
- While teething can make babies cranky, it does not cause illness or fever.
- If your baby develops a fever, it is likely due to the natural loss of inborn immunity that happens around the same time teething begins.
- Never ignore a fever—always consult your physician to rule out infections or other health concerns.
Tooth Decay
The most common cause of tooth loss in children is tooth decay (cavities). Tooth decay is caused by the action of bacteria in the plaque. Plaque is a sticky, clear film that forms on our teeth every day. Plaque helps the bacteria stick to our teeth. The sugar in food and drinks reacts with bacteria to form an acid that eats away the hard outer layer (enamel). Over time, this acid will make a hole or cavity in the enamel.
The three main factors that predispose some children to developing more tooth decay than others include:
The most common cause of tooth loss in children is tooth decay (cavities). Tooth decay is caused by the action of bacteria in the plaque. Plaque is a sticky, clear film that forms on our teeth every day. Plaque helps the bacteria stick to our teeth. The sugar in food and drinks reacts with bacteria to form an acid that eats away the hard outer layer (enamel). Over time, this acid will make a hole or cavity in the enamel.
The three main factors that predispose some children to developing more tooth decay than others include:
- Frequent consumption of sugars.
- Low fluoride levels. Fluoride acts with minerals in saliva to restore and harden enamel damaged by the very early stages of decay. This remineralising may help to arrest the decay and to make fully formed teeth more resistant to further damage.
- Failure to brush adequately to remove all plaque and the associated bacteria.
Baby Bottle Caries
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"Baby bottle caries" (or "nursing bottle caries") refers to a pattern of tooth decay which occurs in the teeth of infants and preschoolers who are allowed to nurse from a bottle containing a sugary beverage either frequently or for prolonged periods of time (such as while napping or sleeping at night). Baby bottle caries is also observed in those infants who are breast fed frequently throughout the night.
Baby Bottle Decay can be completely avoidable
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Misalignment & Bite Issues (Malocclusion) – Crooked or crowded teeth may require orthodontic treatment.
Common Dental Traumas
Accidents happen, and dental injuries are common among active children. Knowing what to do in the event of a dental trauma can help protect your child's oral health and prevent long-term complications.
Types of Dental Injuries
- Thumb Sucking & Pacifier Use – Prolonged habits can impact tooth alignment and jaw development.
- Tooth Sensitivity – Enamel erosion or gum recession can cause discomfort when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Enamel Erosion – Acidic foods and drinks can wear down enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay.
Common Dental Traumas
Accidents happen, and dental injuries are common among active children. Knowing what to do in the event of a dental trauma can help protect your child's oral health and prevent long-term complications.
Types of Dental Injuries
- Chipped or Fractured Teeth – Falls, sports injuries, or biting hard objects can cause cracks or chips in teeth. Minor chips may be smoothed, while larger fractures may require bonding or crowns.
- Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Teeth – If a permanent tooth is completely knocked out, place it in milk or saliva and visit a dentist immediately—quick action may allow for successful reimplantation.
- Displaced Teeth – A tooth that has been pushed out of position due to impact may require urgent dental care to prevent further damage.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Cuts or bruises to the lips, gums, or tongue from falls or accidents may need medical attention to prevent infection.
- Root Fractures – A severe impact can cause fractures below the gum line that may not be visible but can lead to long-term damage.
- Encourage children to wear mouthguards during sports and physical activities.
- Childproof play areas to minimize falls and accidents.
- Teach children to avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pencils.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor oral health and catch concerns early.
TIPS ON PREVENTION
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants may be recommended for your child if he or she has any newly erupted molars and premolars . Dental Sealants are a white or clear plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier to protect these chewing surfaces. The chewing surfaces are very prone to decay because they have small depressions, called pits and fissures, where germs and food can pack. Sealants should be applied as soon as these teeth appear in the mouth and before they have a chance to decay.
Dental sealants may be recommended for your child if he or she has any newly erupted molars and premolars . Dental Sealants are a white or clear plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier to protect these chewing surfaces. The chewing surfaces are very prone to decay because they have small depressions, called pits and fissures, where germs and food can pack. Sealants should be applied as soon as these teeth appear in the mouth and before they have a chance to decay.
Watch Sealant Video:
Sealant Information sheet
Link to ODHA facts-sealants pdf
DENTAL TREATMENT
Fillings
White fillings or Composite Resin- To achieve an aesthetic result most cavities on front teeth are filled with white filling. Smaller cavities on back teeth can also be restored with white fillings. But compared to amalgam, white filling is generally weaker , takes longer to place, costs more and requires some cooperation from the child, as it must be placed in a dry environment without saliva.
Silver or Amalgam Fillings- Most back teeth are done with Silver filling. It is required for decay between teeth, which requires a larger restoration. Silver filling is strong, durable, cost-effective and can be placed in minutes. In baby teeth, Silver fillings generally longer lasting than white fillings. Silver fillings contain various metals such as silver, copper, tin and mercury. Mercury is necessary to chemically bind the compounds together to form a hard, stable material.
Stainless steel crowns are needed when decay has destroyed a tooth to such a degree that there is little of the tooth remaining. Amalgam or silver fillings are not recommended for large fillings in "baby" teeth because if this large filling fractures there is a greater chance that a pulpectomy or extraction will be necessary. Stainless steel crowns are highly recommended on primary ("baby") molars so they will have the benefit of a much more durable and reliable restoration.
Extensive Decay or Infection
Pulpectomy- Deep decay may reach the nerve and to restore this a pulpectomy is required. This procedure involves removing the infected nerve tissue and placing medicament directly over the nerve tissue of the roots. The tooth is then restored in the most appropriate manner (i.e. an amalgam or stainless steel crown. Because of the difficult root structure of baby teeth, the procedure has only an 80 per cent success rate.
Tooth extraction may be necessary if there is extensive damage, pain, infection or where an abscess has formed.
Space Maintainers- If a child loses a primary back tooth prematurely, crowding of the future permanent teeth may occur. A space maintainer may be recommended to prevent teeth moving and allow adequate space for the permanent tooth to erupt. Even with a space maintainer, crowding may need to be corrected later with orthodontic braces. However, a space maintainer is not usually required for missing front teeth, as these tend to align themselves correctly in most cases.
White fillings or Composite Resin- To achieve an aesthetic result most cavities on front teeth are filled with white filling. Smaller cavities on back teeth can also be restored with white fillings. But compared to amalgam, white filling is generally weaker , takes longer to place, costs more and requires some cooperation from the child, as it must be placed in a dry environment without saliva.
Silver or Amalgam Fillings- Most back teeth are done with Silver filling. It is required for decay between teeth, which requires a larger restoration. Silver filling is strong, durable, cost-effective and can be placed in minutes. In baby teeth, Silver fillings generally longer lasting than white fillings. Silver fillings contain various metals such as silver, copper, tin and mercury. Mercury is necessary to chemically bind the compounds together to form a hard, stable material.
Stainless steel crowns are needed when decay has destroyed a tooth to such a degree that there is little of the tooth remaining. Amalgam or silver fillings are not recommended for large fillings in "baby" teeth because if this large filling fractures there is a greater chance that a pulpectomy or extraction will be necessary. Stainless steel crowns are highly recommended on primary ("baby") molars so they will have the benefit of a much more durable and reliable restoration.
Extensive Decay or Infection
Pulpectomy- Deep decay may reach the nerve and to restore this a pulpectomy is required. This procedure involves removing the infected nerve tissue and placing medicament directly over the nerve tissue of the roots. The tooth is then restored in the most appropriate manner (i.e. an amalgam or stainless steel crown. Because of the difficult root structure of baby teeth, the procedure has only an 80 per cent success rate.
Tooth extraction may be necessary if there is extensive damage, pain, infection or where an abscess has formed.
Space Maintainers- If a child loses a primary back tooth prematurely, crowding of the future permanent teeth may occur. A space maintainer may be recommended to prevent teeth moving and allow adequate space for the permanent tooth to erupt. Even with a space maintainer, crowding may need to be corrected later with orthodontic braces. However, a space maintainer is not usually required for missing front teeth, as these tend to align themselves correctly in most cases.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
If your child requires one or two short visits to complete small fillings or an extraction and is a little anxious nitrous oxide sedation maybe recommended. Nitrous Oxide will calm them enough to safely complete the procedures.
If your child requires one or two short visits to complete small fillings or an extraction and is a little anxious nitrous oxide sedation maybe recommended. Nitrous Oxide will calm them enough to safely complete the procedures.
Hospital Dentistry
However if work is more extensive or cooperation is poor it may be recommended your child’s treatment be referred for dental treatment to be done under deep sedation where an anesthesiologist will put your child to sleep utilizing a general anesthetic so the dentist can do all necessary dental work. The main advantage of having your child placed under general anesthesia is all procedures can be done at once. This is much easier on your child than enduring the long hours in the dental chair, or repeated visits. It is so important young children develop a health attitude toward dentistry and dental visits. Dental visits must remain positive or at least negative ones minimized. Numerous long visits to do extensive treatment can negatively impact a young child’s attitude to dentistry. These attitudes can affect them for life and in turn have a negative impact on their future dental health.
However if work is more extensive or cooperation is poor it may be recommended your child’s treatment be referred for dental treatment to be done under deep sedation where an anesthesiologist will put your child to sleep utilizing a general anesthetic so the dentist can do all necessary dental work. The main advantage of having your child placed under general anesthesia is all procedures can be done at once. This is much easier on your child than enduring the long hours in the dental chair, or repeated visits. It is so important young children develop a health attitude toward dentistry and dental visits. Dental visits must remain positive or at least negative ones minimized. Numerous long visits to do extensive treatment can negatively impact a young child’s attitude to dentistry. These attitudes can affect them for life and in turn have a negative impact on their future dental health.
Pacifiers
Pacifiers are less likely to cause a malocclusion and are usually discontinued at an earlier age than is thumbsucking. It is easier to take away a pacifier then a finger or thumb. Thumbsuckers typically continue the habit until 3-5 years.
· To avoid any trauma to the gums, it's important to buy a pacifier with a nipple made of rubber
· do not use the soother around the clock, only when necessary
· in rare instances, pacifiers may cause complications, like abnormal swallowing patterns
· check the pacifier daily for breakage. They do not last forever. The child could suck a "ripped" pacifier and choke on it
· do not hang the pacifier around your baby's neck with a string. Your baby could be accidentally strangled
· to avoid improper breathing and abnormal molding of the baby's jaws, choose a soother that resembles the natural nipple and breast
· Pacifier use can cause abnormal development of the jaws and teeth.
Some reasons are:
improperly sized and shaped soother
strength of sucking action
length of time the soother is present within the mouth
Most children should grow out of thumbsucking and pacifier use by age 3 or 4. As long as the habit is discontinued before their permanent teeth come in (around ages 4-5) your child will be fine. If, however, they continue this habit as their permanent teeth come in it is best to help your child discontinue their habit.
The most effective way to accomplish this is to simply explain to your child that they must do so in order for their teeth to come in straight. You would be surprised at how effective simply explaining this to your child can be. When they do suck their thumb or use a pacifier give them a gentle verbal reminder.
Under no circumstances should you give negative reinforcement or punish a child for this behavior as this often causes the child to further embrace the habit. Many professionals urge parents to tape their children's fingers or apply bitter tasting solutions to the fingers to prevent thumbsucking. We would advise against this. It is somewhat cruel and is not as effective as providing positive reinforcement What should you do if your child is having trouble giving up the pacifier or thumbsucking ? We suggest gradually weaning your child. First start by not allowing them to suck their thumb or use a pacifier during certain hours of the day.
Offer them rewards when they successfully do this. Also, since thumbsucking and pacifier use are often security mechanisms, consider giving them a teddy bear, a blanket, or lots of hugs to, in effect, replace the pacifier or thumbsucking.
Gradually increase the number of hours in which they are not allowed to use the pacifier or suck their thumb until they no longer need these habits. Remember, the time they need the pacifier the most (during bed) should be the last time period phased out.
Pacifiers are less likely to cause a malocclusion and are usually discontinued at an earlier age than is thumbsucking. It is easier to take away a pacifier then a finger or thumb. Thumbsuckers typically continue the habit until 3-5 years.
· To avoid any trauma to the gums, it's important to buy a pacifier with a nipple made of rubber
· do not use the soother around the clock, only when necessary
· in rare instances, pacifiers may cause complications, like abnormal swallowing patterns
· check the pacifier daily for breakage. They do not last forever. The child could suck a "ripped" pacifier and choke on it
· do not hang the pacifier around your baby's neck with a string. Your baby could be accidentally strangled
· to avoid improper breathing and abnormal molding of the baby's jaws, choose a soother that resembles the natural nipple and breast
· Pacifier use can cause abnormal development of the jaws and teeth.
Some reasons are:
improperly sized and shaped soother
strength of sucking action
length of time the soother is present within the mouth
Most children should grow out of thumbsucking and pacifier use by age 3 or 4. As long as the habit is discontinued before their permanent teeth come in (around ages 4-5) your child will be fine. If, however, they continue this habit as their permanent teeth come in it is best to help your child discontinue their habit.
The most effective way to accomplish this is to simply explain to your child that they must do so in order for their teeth to come in straight. You would be surprised at how effective simply explaining this to your child can be. When they do suck their thumb or use a pacifier give them a gentle verbal reminder.
Under no circumstances should you give negative reinforcement or punish a child for this behavior as this often causes the child to further embrace the habit. Many professionals urge parents to tape their children's fingers or apply bitter tasting solutions to the fingers to prevent thumbsucking. We would advise against this. It is somewhat cruel and is not as effective as providing positive reinforcement What should you do if your child is having trouble giving up the pacifier or thumbsucking ? We suggest gradually weaning your child. First start by not allowing them to suck their thumb or use a pacifier during certain hours of the day.
Offer them rewards when they successfully do this. Also, since thumbsucking and pacifier use are often security mechanisms, consider giving them a teddy bear, a blanket, or lots of hugs to, in effect, replace the pacifier or thumbsucking.
Gradually increase the number of hours in which they are not allowed to use the pacifier or suck their thumb until they no longer need these habits. Remember, the time they need the pacifier the most (during bed) should be the last time period phased out.
Orthodontics
Your child may require orthodontics if he or she has crowding, poor upper and/or lower jaw development, poor arch development, finger, thumb or tongue habits, tooth eruption problems, or airway and/or speech problems.
Your child may require orthodontics if he or she has crowding, poor upper and/or lower jaw development, poor arch development, finger, thumb or tongue habits, tooth eruption problems, or airway and/or speech problems.
