Your Child's Dental Health Questions Answered
Expert Answers for Your Little Ones
At Shine Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we know you’ve got questions. We're here to provide you with clear, informative answers. If your question isn't covered here, don't hesitate to contact our office.
Dr. Lauren and the team are always ready to assist you with any queries.
A pediatric dentist like Dr. Lauren specializes in the oral health care of children from infancy through their teenage years.
She has additional training to address the unique dental issues and developmental stages of children, ensuring specialized and compassionate care for your little ones.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child's first dental visit should be scheduled by their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth erupts. Early visits with Dr. Lauren help establish a dental home and start your child on a path to good oral health.
Children should visit a pediatric dentist like Dr. Lauren every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings. These visits are crucial for maintaining oral health, detecting any issues early, and providing preventive care to keep your child's smile healthy and bright.
At your child's first visit to Shine Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Lauren will conduct a gentle examination of your child's teeth, jaw, and oral tissues. This visit also includes a discussion about oral health care basics for children and any concerns you may have.
It's a comfortable and friendly experience, aimed at setting a positive tone for future dental visits.
Baby teeth play a crucial role in a child's development. They help in proper chewing, speaking, and holding space for permanent teeth.
Maintaining the health of these teeth is essential as they set the foundation for a healthy adult smile. Dr. Lauren emphasizes the importance of caring for baby teeth to prevent future dental complications.
Dental X-rays are an important diagnostic tool. They help Dr. Lauren detect hidden dental issues and monitor your child's dental development.
X-rays are only taken when necessary and are used to plan treatments more effectively, ensuring the best possible care for your child’s dental health.
Sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay. Fillings are used to repair cavities and restore the normal function of the tooth.
Crowns are placed over a damaged tooth to restore its size, shape, and strength. Dr. Lauren uses these treatments to protect and preserve your child's teeth from further damage.
If your child has a toothache, clean the affected area with a soft brush and rinse with warm water. Check for any food trapped between teeth and remove it gently.
If pain persists, contact Dr. Lauren for an appointment. Avoid using topical pain relievers as they can harm gum tissue.
In case of a broken tooth, rinse your child's mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Collect any tooth fragments and bring them with you to Shine Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.
Contact Dr. Lauren immediately for further guidance and to arrange
for urgent care.
If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, find the tooth and hold it by the crown, not the root. If it's dirty, gently rinse it without scrubbing.
If possible, try to reinsert it into the socket and have your child hold it in place with a clean gauze or cloth. If you can't reinsert it, place the tooth in a clean container with milk and contact Dr. Lauren immediately for emergency dental care.
For bites or cuts on the tongue, cheek, or lips, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress. If bleeding persists or if the cut is deep, seek immediate medical attention or contact Dr. Lauren for advice.
In many cases, these injuries can heal on their own, but it's important to monitor for signs of infection.