Lake Jeanette Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

If your child drinks fluoridated water, from your tap or from a bottle, then no supplement is needed. If you have well water that does not contain the recommended amount of fluoride, then give your child bottled water that contains fluoride. Another option would be to test the well water to determine the level of fluoride and then supplement if necessary.

A protective mouth guard is recommended for sports or other activities that may result in injury to the mouth or jaws. Your dentist can suggest an appropriate mouth guard. Always remember to use seat belts and bike helmets.

Ninety percent of cavities in permanent teeth begin in the pits and fissures, or deep grooves, of a tooth. Sealants are a plastic coating that a dentist applies to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Sealants form a barrier that protects teeth from plaque and acid attacks, and hold up well under the force of normal chewing.

Children under the age of ten usually need an adult to help them brush their teeth. Teeth should be brushed with a soft bristle toothbrush twice a day for two minutes. The most important time to brush is before bed and the most important place to brush is along the gum line. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride to prevent cavities. Flossing should be done once per day with the assistance of an adult until the child is about ten years of age.

Your child may have sore gums when teeth erupt. Parents can massage the gums with a wet washcloth or use a teething ring to help with discomfort. Appropriate amounts of childrens Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help.

Prolonged sucking on the thumb, finger, or pacifier may cause problems with the proper growth of the jaws and alignment of the teeth.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should be weaned from the bottle at 12 to 14 months of age. Never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquids. If your child drinks from the bottle at night, only use water. Never allow a child to breastfeed all night long because this exposes the teeth to milk that contains sugar when saliva flow is low.

To reduce the risk of cavities, limit sippy cup use to meal times and encourage your child to drink from a regular cup by age one. Avoid in-between meal snacks including fruit juice and milk.

The sooner the better! Before teeth erupt, wipe your babys gums with a wet washcloth after each feeding. After the first tooth erupts, use a soft bristle toothbrush to clean all teeth. Begin using a pea sized smear of fluoridated toothpaste at age two. Use floss as soon as your child has teeth that touch.

No, they don't accept medicaid.