Pediatric Dentistry

A pedodontist is a dentist who has received advanced specialty training in meeting the dental needs of children from infancy to adolescence. Pedodontists, also referred to as "pediatric dentists," study child psychology, behavior management, caring for children with special needs, methods of handling oral/facial trauma, and various techniques for providing anesthesia and sedation. Pedodontists also understand the complexities of facial growth and development and have the clinical skills required to meet the dental needs of all children at every stage of development. Most of all, pedodontists are passionate about what they do and enjoy working with children. They strive to make every dental experience a positive one as they help children establish a strong foundation for good oral health.

Even before your child is born, their first set of teeth is already forming. In fact, by one year of age, some of your baby's front teeth will have already come into place. While the arrival of your baby's first teeth is only one of many developmental milestones, it represents an excellent time to begin a program of oral care. According to recommendations from the American Dental Association, babies should see the dentist around the time of their first birthdays.

Your baby's first teeth typically begin to appear in the 6 to 12-month range. While this is an extraordinary milestone, you need to be aware that your baby may find the experience a little bit uncomfortable. Teething can make babies feel irritable. They may be fussy, have trouble sleeping, not want to eat, and drool quite a bit.

Although you are powerless to speed up the process of teething, there are a few things that you can do to soothe your baby as the new teeth are erupting into place. Common approaches to helping your baby feel more comfortable while getting new teeth, include teething rings or a cold spoon or moist gauze rubbed over their gums.

Even for these few new teeth, it's absolutely essential to establish an effective regimen of oral care. For information on when your baby's first set of teeth will erupt into place, consult this timeline from the American Dental Association: Eruption Charts

Some children persist in sucking their thumbs or fingers beyond their preschool years. For these children, the activity continues to be a source of comfort, relaxation, and security. It may even help them fall asleep at night. However, it's essential to be aware that in the long-term, a finger sucking habit is not healthy.

If your child's thumb or finger sucking habit is still present when the permanent teeth begin to come in, your child is at a higher risk of developing a bad bite. By the age of five or six years, you need to constructively and gently help your child stop the habit.

It's also a good idea to have a comprehensive evaluation at this time. Your pedodontist can assess if there are any habit related alterations to the alignment of your child's teeth or jaws, or if it is affecting their speech or swallowing patterns. They can also discuss habit control strategies with you, as well as follow your child's bite and facial development as they grow. If interceptive appliances or corrective orthodontic care are recommended, the timetable and best options in care will be explained in complete detail.

Pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty focused on the oral health needs of infants, children and adolescents, including those with special health care needs. It emphasizes growth and development, prevention and early intervention so that dental problems are identified and treated before they become more complex. This specialty combines clinical care with age-appropriate education to support lifelong oral health.

Early pediatric care helps establish healthy routines, preserves baby teeth that are important for chewing and speech, and guides the transition to a permanent smile. Preventive services such as professional cleanings, topical fluoride and sealants reduce the risk of decay and the need for invasive treatment. At Nova Dental we aim to pair preventive strategies with gentle, clear communication to make dental care a positive experience for children and families.

Professional organizations recommend that a child see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting. This early visit allows the clinician to assess eruption patterns, check for early signs of decay, and provide parents with guidance on feeding, teething and home oral care. Establishing a dental home early also helps children become familiar with the office environment and reduces anxiety at later appointments.

During the first visits the team focuses on prevention and education rather than complex procedures, explaining routines that are appropriate for each developmental stage. Parents will receive practical tips on brushing, safe bottle and sippy-cup habits, and timing for fluoride use. Regular visits from infancy onward make it easier to track growth and intervene promptly if concerns arise.

A routine pediatric visit typically includes a review of medical history, a gentle oral exam, and a professional cleaning to remove plaque and deposits that brushing can miss. The clinician assesses tooth eruption, gum health, bite alignment and any early signs of cavities, using digital radiographs selectively when more diagnostic detail is needed. Appointments also include age-appropriate instruction on brushing and flossing that parents can use at home.

Preventive treatments are often applied during checkups, such as fluoride varnish to strengthen enamel and sealants to protect chewing surfaces on back teeth. The dental team will discuss nutrition, habits like thumb-sucking, and a recommended recall interval based on the child’s risk of decay. Clear, simple communication and demonstrations help children and caregivers feel confident about daily oral care between visits.

Reducing decay risk starts with consistent daily habits: brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, use an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste, and floss once teeth contact each other. Limiting sugary drinks and snacks, avoiding putting a child to bed with milk or juice, and encouraging water between meals all lower the frequency of sugar exposure that promotes cavities. Consistent routines and positive reinforcement make good habits more likely to stick.

Parents should also follow their dentist’s guidance on preventive treatments and schedule regular checkups so clinicians can identify early issues and apply protective measures as needed. For infants, wipe gums after feedings and introduce a toothbrush as soon as teeth erupt to create familiarity. Communication between home and the dental team is key to tailoring a plan that fits a child’s developmental stage and decay risk.

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the grooves of back teeth to block food and bacteria from collecting and causing cavities. They are most commonly placed on permanent molars soon after they erupt, which is usually between ages 6 and 12, but can also be used on primary molars when appropriate. Sealants are quick, painless and highly effective at reducing decay on chewing surfaces that are hard to clean with a toothbrush alone.

A dentist will evaluate each child’s risk for cavities and recommend sealants based on eruption timing and individual risk factors. Sealants work best when combined with good daily hygiene, fluoride treatments and routine professional care. During regular exams your dental team will check sealant integrity and reapply or repair them if needed to maintain protection.

Managing anxiety in pediatric patients starts with a welcoming environment, clear age-appropriate explanations and gradual exposure to dental procedures. Techniques such as tell-show-do, distraction with playful conversation, and positive reinforcement help children understand what to expect and feel more in control. For some children, scheduling short introductory visits that focus on familiarization rather than treatment builds trust over time.

When a child has higher levels of anxiety or sensory sensitivities, the team uses individualized behavior management strategies and coordinates care with parents to reduce stress. Communication about expectations, practice at home, and consistency across visits can make a significant difference in cooperation and comfort. If necessary, the dental team may discuss safe, carefully monitored sedation options to allow essential treatment while prioritizing the child's safety and emotional well-being.

An initial orthodontic evaluation is commonly recommended by early elementary school, often around age 7, because many jaw and tooth alignment issues are easier to address when growth is still occurring. Early assessment allows clinicians to monitor for crowding, crossbites, severe overbites or underbites and other developmental concerns that can affect chewing, speech and long-term dental health. Not every child needs early treatment, but timely referral helps determine the best course of action if intervention could simplify later care.

If an orthodontic issue is identified, clinicians may recommend observation, interceptive treatment to guide jaw growth, or a future treatment plan coordinated with an orthodontic specialist. Regular dental exams provide the monitoring needed to identify changes in bite or tooth position as your child grows. Collaboration between the general dentist and orthodontist ensures that timing and treatment strategies take advantage of natural growth for the best functional outcomes.

In a dental emergency, quick action improves the chance of saving a tooth or minimizing complications. For a knocked-out permanent tooth, handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse gently if dirty and attempt to reinsert it in the socket if possible, or store it in milk or the child’s saliva and seek immediate dental care. For chipped or displaced teeth, control any bleeding with gentle pressure and contact your dental provider for prompt assessment.

Primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth are managed differently, so it’s important to have a clinician evaluate the injury quickly to decide the appropriate steps. The dentist will assess for damage to surrounding tissues and the developing tooth structures and recommend treatment or monitoring. Timely professional care helps protect long-term dental health and can reduce the risk of infection or developmental disturbances.

A balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus helps support strong teeth and jaw development, while frequent consumption of sugary or sticky foods increases the risk of decay. Regular meal and snack patterns reduce constant exposure to sugars, and choosing water over sweetened beverages protects enamel and overall health. Encouraging whole foods and minimizing processed snacks contributes to both oral and general wellbeing.

Habits such as prolonged pacifier use or thumb-sucking can affect tooth position and jaw growth if they persist beyond the preschool years, so gentle strategies and timely guidance help prevent long-term alignment issues. Sleeping with a bottle or frequent nighttime breastfeeding that exposes teeth to sugars can raise decay risk, so dentists provide practical alternatives and support. Open communication with your dental team about diet and habits allows for personalized recommendations to protect growth and developing teeth.

Caring for children with special needs requires an individualized approach that accounts for medical history, mobility, sensory considerations and communication styles. Dental teams work closely with caregivers and other health professionals to create appointment plans that minimize stress, allocate extra time, and use behavior management techniques tailored to the child. Clear pre-visit planning and consistent routines help make care safer and more effective for children with diverse needs.

When standard approaches are not feasible, clinicians may adapt equipment, provide alternative positioning, or coordinate treatment under conscious sedation or general anesthesia in consultation with medical providers. The goal is to ensure necessary preventive and restorative care while prioritizing safety and comfort. Families should discuss their child’s specific needs during scheduling so the office can prepare appropriately and offer the most supportive experience possible.