FAQ-old

FAQ-old2016-06-13T21:08:14+00:00
Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.
Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. We treat only infants, children and adolescents, including those with special health needs. As Pediatric Dentists, Dr. Mudd and Dr. Villaseñor have two additional years of specialized training following dental school.
We recommend a check-up every six months in order prevent cavities and other dental problems. At each visit we will discuss oral hygiene and diet to help support your efforts in preventing cavities. We also believe that this frequency helps young children build a positive relationship with our office and team.
In accordance with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Academy of Pediatrics, we recommend that your child have their first dental check up scheduled when their first tooth erupts – or no later than their first birthday.
First, start with regular dental check-ups at Ridgeview Pediatric Dentistry. During these visits we can recommend a specific home prevention program of brushing, flossing, and dietary habits that parents can utilize and teach to their children. These home treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.
We recommend you clean your baby’s teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. A brush designed specifically for infants with a small brush head is preferred. The toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Your baby’s teeth should be brushed at least once daily, preferably at bed time. Make sure you brush AFTER your baby has their last bottle or cup of milk at night so they go to bed with clean teeth.
First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums. Finally, see a dentist as soon as possible.
Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. In addition to a beautiful smile, teeth also help children speak clearly and chew naturally. They also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.
We strongly support breast feeding!  In order to prevent cavities, we recommend that once your child has teeth you should then avoid nursing your child to sleep and do not put anything other than water in their bedtime bottle.  Also, we will teach you the proper way to brush and floss your child’s teeth. Remember, your child’s first visit should occur soon after their first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday.  At this first visit we can help you learn the techniques that will prevent decay for your child.
Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of three we will discuss options for helping your child quit.  We work with families to provide age appropriate ideas and support in helping to eliminate these habits.
The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush.  To help prevent cavities, use a “smear” of toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age.  For the 2-5 year old, dispense a “pea-size” amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing.  Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively so you have to brush for them. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.
Have your pediatric dentist evaluate the fluoride level of your child’s primary source of drinking water. If your child is not getting enough fluoride internally through water (especially if the fluoride level is deficient or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride), then your pediatric dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements.
Make sure your child has a balanced diet, including one serving each of: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat fish and eggs. Limiting the servings of sugars and starches will also aid in protecting your child’s teeth from decay. You can also ask your pediatric dentist to help you select foods that protect your children’s teeth.
Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect a child’s teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard developed by a pediatric dentist will protect your child from injuries to the teeth, face and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.
The most important thing to do is to remain calm. Then find the tooth. Hold it by the crown rather than the root and try to reinsert it in the socket. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk and take your child and the glass immediately to the pediatric dentist.
There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation.
Make sure your child has a balanced diet, including one serving each of: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat fish and eggs. Limiting the servings of sugars and starches will also aid in protecting your child’s teeth from decay. We also recommend that you limit sugary drinks, including 100% fruit juice as they have been shown to cause an increase in cavities in young children.  Your child should have three main meals, and typically no more than two snacks per day.  The best snack options for your child are fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese and yogurt.  We can help you develop a healthy and tooth friendly diet for your child based on their individual needs.
Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect a child’s teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries.  We can also create a custom-fitted mouthguard that will protect your child from injuries to their teeth.
There is very little risk in dental X-rays. At Ridgeview Pediatric Dentistry, we also provide digital x-rays which further limit the amount of radiation that your child is exposed to.  To provide high quality and safe care to your child, we follow the current guidelines for x-rays to limit the amount of radiation your child receives.  We also utilize lead aprons and thyroid collars to ensure safety and further minimize the amount of radiation.
We can help evaluate the fluoride level of your child’s primary source of drinking water. If your child is not getting enough fluoride internally through water (especially if the fluoride level is deficient or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride), then we can discuss other options to ensure that your child receives just the right amount of fluoride to help prevent cavities.
Go to Top