Children’s Dentistry in Columbia, MO
Does My Child Need to See a Pediatric Dentist?
Not all kids need to be seen by a pediatric dentist. We have experience treating children and are happy to see patients of all ages. Children bring fun and excitement into our office and sometimes help our staff behave like kids too!
Dr. Stapleton, Dr. Wietholder, Dr. Schilke, and their team pride themselves on being able to treat the whole family. By treating all members of a family, we are able to be your “dental home”. In rare instances, when a child needs treatment (fillings, extractions) and is too young to tolerate care, then a referral may be made to a pediatric dentist so general anesthesia can be administered while the dental work is completed.
When Does My Child Need to Go to the Dentist?
It is recommended that parents bring their children in for their first visit after they get their first baby tooth. This is important for several reasons. The first is to help the child get used to the dental office so that they do not fear the dentist later. Bad dental experience as a child can make a person fear the dentist for life, having a negative impact on their dental health for many years.
We believe in building positive relationships with children through early, positive dental visits. The second reason to see children at a young age is to establish good oral hygiene habits. Kids who see the dentist and hygienist on a regular basis usually develop good oral hygiene habits that they use throughout their lives. This will help them prevent severe dental issues and keep their teeth healthy. The third reason is often to educate the parents. Usually, a baby gets their first tooth around 6 months of age. The parents will be the main people responsible for caring for those teeth for several years after that. Education is the key to preventing major dental problems in young children.
Why Are Baby Teeth Important?
Many people think that baby teeth aren’t important because they will “fall out anyway”. This is not true. Primary, or baby, teeth serve many important functions. They allow children to chew and speak properly. They also serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth. When primary teeth have to be extracted prematurely, due to large cavities and/or infection, then the permanent teeth may not be able to erupt properly without a dental device placed in the mouth to hold the space. Also, infections in teeth can be very serious, especially in younger children. It is best to treat baby teeth like permanent teeth by taking very good care of them.
Why Is Fluoride Important for Children?
A topical fluoride treatment is suggested for all children at their regular dental hygiene appointment. It is important for kids to have fluoride to help strengthen the enamel on their teeth. Fluoride is a mineral that helps keep the cavity-causing bacteria from dissolving the enamel on the teeth. With strong enamel, it is hard for cavities to grow. Fluoride in toothpaste and tap water are also other important sources of fluoride for children.
It is possible, however, for kids to have too much fluoride. Please ask Dr. Wietholder what is right for your child.
What Are Dental Sealants and Who Needs Them?
Dental sealants are recommended for children soon after the permanent molars erupt – usually around ages six and twelve. Sealants do not require a shot and are a great way to protect permanent molars from cavities. Dental sealants are a filling material, which flows into the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the teeth and is then cured. This prevents bacteria from starting cavities in the deep grooves of molars.
Cavity-Free Club
At All American Dental, we offer a program to reward children that have exceptional dental hygiene. Each time a child gets a checkup with a cavity-free report, they are in! Every month, we will have a prize drawing for a $25 gift card to the winner’s favorite place! They will also be featured on our Facebook page.
Make an appointment for your child today. Call All American Dental in Columbia, MO 573-449-1918.
FAQs
Pediatric dentistry concentrates on the dental care of children from infancy through adolescence. It involves treating and preventing dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and teething pain. Pediatric dentists are well-trained in making children feel comfortable during their visits and offer tailored treatments for developing teeth. Regular check-ups help ensure your child’s oral health develops properly as they grow.
Your child should go to the dentist by their first birthday or within 6 months after their first tooth emerges. Early visits help spot any probable issues and permit your child to get comfortable with dental visits. Establishing a dental home early on ensures good oral health habits are developed and any concerns are addressed early.
To help your child feel comfortable at the dentist, try to stay positive and calm. Avoid using words that may make them anxious, like “pain” or “shot.” Practice at-home routines like brushing and using a dental mirror. Let your child know that dental visits are fun and part of staying healthy. Many pediatric dentists are specially trained to work with children and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Yes, dental X-rays are safe for children. Modern X-ray equipment uses minimal radiation, and protective lead aprons are worn during the procedure to shield your child’s body. X-rays help the dentist spot issues like cavities, infections, or developmental concerns that may not be visible during a regular check-up. Your child’s dentist will only recommend X-rays when necessary for their care.
During your child’s first dental visit, the dentist will do a gentle examination of your child’s teeth and gums. They may clean the teeth and check for any signs of cavities or early dental issues. The dentist will also educate you on proper oral care, such as brushing techniques. The first visit is a positive experience designed to familiarize your child with the dentist’s office.
Preventing cavities in your child’s teeth starts with regular brushing using fluoride toothpaste. Allow limited sugary snacks and drinks and encourage water intake. Take your child to the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. Consider fluoride treatments and dental sealants as additional protective measures. Teaching proper oral hygiene habits early on can prevent many dental issues from developing.
Dental sealants are a thin layer or coating put over the chewing surfaces of molars and pre-molars to protect or shield them from cavities. Sealants act as a barrier, stopping bacteria and food crumbs from getting stuck in the grooves. Children are more prone to cavities, especially in molars, so dental sealants can be an effective preventive measure. Your dentist can recommend sealants after evaluating your child’s teeth.
Teething can be uncomfortable for infants, but there are ways to ease their discomfort. Offer a cold teething ring or a cool washcloth for them to chew on. Lightly massage their gums with a clean finger. Over-the-counter pain medicines, like acetaminophen, can also help, but always follow the dosage instructions. If the discomfort is severe or lasts for a prolonged period, consult your pediatrician or dentist.
Your child can start brushing their own teeth around the age of 6 or 7 when they have developed the necessary coordination. However, it’s important that an adult supervises the brushing process to ensure it’s done properly. Until then, you should brush your child’s teeth for them using a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Encourage them to brush independently as they grow.
When your child has braces, it’s important to ensure they maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush their teeth after each meal to get rid of food particles and plaque. Use floss threaders or orthodontic floss to clean between the brackets. Avoid sticky or hard food items that can damage the braces. Timely visits to the orthodontist for adjustments are also essential to ensure the braces are working correctly.
Yes, we offer sedation choices for children who feel anxious about dental visits. Depending on the level of anxiety, options can include nitrous oxide (laughing gas). These options help your child relax and remain comfortable during their appointment. Our goal is to make dental visits as stress-free as possible for both children and their parents.
Thumb-sucking can affect your child’s oral development if it continues past the age of 4. Prolonged thumb-sucking can cause dental issues, such as wrong line-up of teeth and changes in the roof of the mouth. If your child is still sucking their thumb at an older age, talk to your pediatric dentist. They can offer proper guidance and solutions to help break the habit.
It’s recommended to stop using a pacifier by age 2 to avoid potential oral health problems. Prolonged pacifier use can pave the way to dental issues such as line-up of teeth and bite problems. Gradually reducing pacifier use can help your child adjust. If your child has trouble stopping, your dentist can give advice on how to take care of the transition.