Children’s dentistry

What it is

Children’s dentistry is everyday care for a child’s teeth and gums as they grow: checkups, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, and fillings when needed. Much of it is about preventing problems and helping your child feel at ease.

Two simple treatments do a lot of the work:

• Fluoride is a mineral that makes enamel (the hard outer layer of a tooth) stronger. At a visit, it’s usually painted on as a varnish, a thin coating that sets quickly.
• Sealants are thin coatings painted into the grooves of the back teeth, where food and germs get trapped and cavities often start.

You can read more about both under preventive dentistry.

Who it helps

The American Dental Association suggests a first visit by a child’s first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth coming in. Ask the office about the age Dr. Minici starts seeing children.

Between checkups, call the office if you notice:

• White, brown, or dark spots on the teeth
• Tooth pain, or a child who avoids chewing on one side
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• A tooth that is chipped, loose after a fall, or knocked out (see emergency care)

What happens

1. Getting ready at home. Talk about the visit in simple, calm words. Skip words like “hurt” or “shot,” and save your own dental stories for later. A picture book or a pretend checkup with a toothbrush can help.
2. Getting comfortable. We say hello, let your child look around, and explain each tool in plain words before we use it. If your child is nervous, tell us ahead of time so we can go slowly.
3. Checking the teeth. Dr. Minici looks at the teeth, gums, jaw, and bite. Very young children can sometimes sit in your lap for this.
4. Cleaning and fluoride. We clean off plaque (the sticky film of germs on teeth) with a soft brush and polish, which can tickle. Then fluoride varnish is painted on, which takes about a minute.
5. X-rays, only when needed. X-rays help find cavities between teeth and show how adult teeth are forming. Not every visit needs them.
6. Talking with you. We share what we saw and answer your questions about brushing, snacks, teething, and habits like thumb-sucking.

If your child needs a filling, the tooth is numbed first, and we explain each step before we do it.

Recovery and aftercare

Most visits need no recovery. After fluoride varnish, follow the instructions you’re given about eating and brushing for the rest of the day. After a filling, your child’s lip and cheek may stay numb for a few hours. Watch that they don’t bite or chew them, which can cause sores.

At home, these habits help most:

• Brush twice a day with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Help with brushing until your child can do it well alone, often around age seven or eight.
• Start flossing once two teeth touch.
• Keep sweet drinks and snacks to mealtimes, and don’t put a child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.

Cost and insurance

The cost depends on what your child needs at each visit, such as X-rays, fluoride, sealants, or fillings. Many dental plans cover checkups, cleanings, fluoride, and sealants for children, though limits and age rules vary. Ask your plan before the visit. To learn about payment options, see insurance and financing.

Alternatives

For a very small cavity, extra fluoride and closer watching are sometimes an option instead of a filling. Whether to fill a cavity in a baby tooth can also depend on how soon the tooth is likely to fall out. Your dentist will explain the choices.

Some children, such as those with complex medical needs or a lot of treatment ahead, may do better with a pediatric dentist, a dentist who focuses on children. Dr. Minici will tell you if he thinks a referral would help.