Dental topics and FAQ – Little Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry

Q1：At what age should my child have his/her first dental visit?

A1

“First visit by first birthday” is the general rule. To prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, usually between 6 and 12 months of age, certainly no later than his/her first birthday.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) all recommend establishing a “Dental Home” for your child by one year of age.

Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care. The Dental Home is intended to provide a place other than the Emergency Room for parents.

Q2：Bruxism(Teeth grinding)

A2

Teeth grinding, also known as Bruxism, is a fairly common pediatric dental condition.

It is estimated up to 35% of children will experience bruxism at some point in childhood.

Although unpleasant for parents to hear, children often are not aware they are clenching their jaw and grinding their teeth at night.

If teeth-grinding continues and worsens over a period of time, it is a good idea to have them evaluated by a pediatric dentist.

The symptoms of night-time grinding may vary, but a few of the more obvious may include:

• Tenderness in the jaw
• Tightness in the jaw muscles
• Earache
• Headache
• Visibly worn teeth
• Increased tooth sensitivity

Q3：Fluoride

A3

When should my child start using toothpaste?

Do not use fluoridated toothpaste until age 3. Earlier than that, clean your child’s teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. After age 3, parents should supervise brushing. Use no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and make sure children do not swallow excess toothpaste.

Q4：Xylitol

A4

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes the benefits of xylitol on the oral health of infants, children, adolescents, and persons with special health care needs.The use of XYLITOL GUM by mothers (2-3 times per day) starting 3 months after delivery and until the child was 2 years old, has proven to reduce cavities up to 70% by the time the child was 5 years old.

Studies using xylitol as either a sugar substitute or a small dietary addition have demonstrated a dramatic reduction in new tooth decay, along with some reversal of existing dental caries. Xylitol provides additional protection that enhances all existing prevention methods. This xylitol effect is long-lasting and possibly permanent. Low decay rates persist even years after the trials have been completed.

Xylitol is widely distributed throughout nature in small amounts. Some of the best sources are fruits, berries, mushrooms, lettuce, hardwoods, and corn cobs. One cup of raspberries contains less than one gram of xylitol.

Studies suggest xylitol intake that consistently produces positive results ranged from 4-20 grams per day, divided into 3-7 consumption periods. Higher results did not result in greater reduction and may lead to diminishing results. Similarly, consumption frequency of less than 3 times per day showed no effect.

To find gum or other products containing xylitol, try visiting your local health food store or search the Internet to find products containing 100% xylitol.

Q5：Thumb and Pacifier Habit

A5

This type of sucking is a natural reflex for babies and young children. It provides security and given that thumb sucking is relaxing, it may induce sleep. Thumb sucking is a way to make contact with and learn about the world for babies. As a matter of fact, babies begin to suck on their fingers or thumbs even before they are born.

Most children stop sucking on thumbs, pacifiers or other objects on their own between two and four years of age. Your Pediatric Dentist will carefully watch the way your child’s teeth come in and jaws develop, keeping the sucking habit in mind at all times.

If your child does not discourage it after age four, in addition, peer pressure causes many school-aged children to stop. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crowded and tipping teeth, and other bite/jaw developmental problems.