Children's Dentistry
Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, begin to erupt during the first 6 months of life. Between ages 5-7, children start to lose their first set of teeth, which eventually are replaced by permanent (adult) teeth. Without proper dental care, children face possible oral decay and disease that can cause a lifetime of pain and complications. Today, the presence of childhood cavities is by far the most common infectious childhood disease. It is five times more common in children than asthma! The good news is that it’s also one of the most preventable diseases.
Children smile more often when they are proud of their teeth and good oral hygiene habits begin at an early age! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend that children visit the dentist by their first birthday. First dental visits at this early age are mostly educational to help parents learn about proper oral hygiene and diet restrictions to help their children remain cavity-free. A first dental visit also establishes a “dental home” which with ongoing, accessible, coordinated, comprehensive follow-up visits will allow the child to grow to become more comfortable in the dental office.
In our Pasadena, MD family-friendly office, we provide comprehensive oral health care for infants and children including:
Infant and child oral health exams
Risk assessment for decay and repair of tooth cavities or defects, including pulp treatment (when necessary)
Preventive dental care including cleaning and fluoride treatments, as well as sealant application and nutrition and diet education (read more about fluoride and sealants below)
Habit counseling (for example, pacifier use and thumb sucking)
Management of gum diseases and conditions including ulcers, short frenulum, and pediatric periodontal disease
Care for dental injuries or trauma (for example, fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth)
Orthodontics assessment and if necessary, referral to an Orthodontist
While it is true that baby teeth do eventually come out, it is also true that untreated decay in primary teeth (baby teeth) can lead to further dental disease and negatively impact a child’s overall health including their growth and development, school performance and peer relationships. Tooth decay also causes significant pain and may lead to infections and even death in rare cases.
To help children with who may have some dental anxiety when undergoing dental treatment either for the first time or for a more involved procedure, we offer oral conscious sedation and/or nitrous oxide for children’s treatment. Our goal is to provide a safe and comfortable experience for children. General anesthesia is not performed by Dr. Gary Barker and is usually only necessary for more invasive procedures. If your child requires dental treatment, we will evaluate and make recommendations based on your child’s specific needs.
Primary teeth play an important role while they are present in your child’s mouth! You can help keep your child’s teeth healthy by remembering the 2-2-2 rule: visit the dentist two times per year, brush and floss two times per day for two minutes each time.
Fluoride
Fluoride is in public tap water for good reason. This safe and successful public health measure has greatly reduced tooth decay in children since it was first used in Grand Rapids, MI in 1945. Community water fluoridation is done at levels that safely aid children in their dental development. Systemic fluoride has been shown to reduce dental decay between 50 to 70 percent. Water fluoridation is still the number one cost effective way to prevent tooth decay; however, 30 percent of communities in the United States do not have fluoride in their public sources of water. Children who don’t drink fluoridated water are at a higher risk for developing tooth decay.
So what is fluoride? Fluoride is an odorless, colorless, naturally occurring mineral. Cavities form when there is a weakening in the mineral composition of the enamel of your teeth. Fluoride promotes the remineralization of these decalcified spots, therefore helping to prevent cavities. Fluoride bolsters tooth enamel strength, ultimately protecting teeth for years and decades to come.
For children aged 6 months to 16 years, Dr. Gary Barker may recommend a fluoride supplement, if they are drinking unfluoridated water or not receiving enough fluoride throughout the day. Bottled, filtered and well waters vary in their fluoride amount, so a water analysis may be necessary to ensure your child is receiving the proper amount. Dr. Barker will monitor the development of your child’s teeth in order to prescribe the specific amount of supplemental fluoride your child may need. (Note that an excess of fluoride may damage developing teeth leading to fluorosis causing white spots to form on permanent teeth; while an insufficient amount of fluoride leaves your child’s teeth susceptible to decay)
Fluoride varnish is a safe and effective dental treatment that can help prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or prevent it from getting worse. A small application of fluoride varnish is applied directly to the teeth and is a typically recommended at each 6 month recare visit for children. Keep in mind that fluoride varnish treatments cannot completely prevent cavities but it is an important line of defense against tooth decay especially when a child is also brushing using the right amount (pea-size) of fluoridated toothpaste, flossing regularly, eating a healthy diet and getting routine dental care.
Sealants
Sealants are a thin, white plastic coating applied to the tops (or chewing surfaces) of permanent back teeth. Sealants are most often applied to the permanent (adult) molars which begin to erupt around age 6. Sealants are a highly effective preventative measure to tooth decay. Applying dental sealants to chewing surfaces of the back teeth can prevent 80% of cavities.
Teeth have naturally occurring “pits and grooves” on the chewing surface. With a fast and easy application, sealants cover these pits and grooves. This helps protect these vulnerable teeth surfaces from developing cavities. On average, sealants last 5 to 10 years with proper hygiene habits and maintenance.
The procedure to have sealants placed is quick and painless. A local anesthetic is not necessary as no drilling is required. The sealant is applied directly onto the surface of the tooth – in the pits and grooves, and the sealants are bonded onto the top surface of the tooth.
Dr. Gary Barker will evaluate your child’s teeth to determine if they are ready for sealants. If you have questions about sealants or anything involving your child’s dental health, please call our office at 410-647-6453. We are always happy to help.