Pediatric Dental Care Information

Children begin getting their first teeth as early as about six months, and caring for their teeth can start even before those tiny teeth emerge. The first step in great oral care is keeping the gums healthy. We encourage parents to begin “brushing” their children’s gums with a soft cloth or training toothbrush and water twice per day during their first few months of life. This will help your child become comfortable with the act of brushing so that when the primary teeth come in, it will be a fun and enjoyable activity in which they can learn to participate.

Even though the primary teeth begin to fall out around 6 or 7 years of age in preparation for their secondary (permanent) teeth, children must receive regular dental care and follow good oral hygiene practices. Most children are not naturally inclined to care for their teeth the way they should. This is why we provide lots of helpful resources, tips, and support for the parents or guardians. We also strive to teach our littler patients how valuable and fun taking care of their teeth and gums can be.

Unfortunately, dental caries (cavities) – an infectious disease – are still prevalent in children. Cavities are five times more common than asthma, seven times more common than seasonal hay fever, and affect nearly 50% of children with primary teeth. Even more staggering is that some children are at an even higher risk for cavities – 25% of the U.S. child population has 80% of the cavities. We are passionate about helping reduce these numbers, and with parents’ help, we believe that early detection, proper hygiene, and patient education are the keys.

To keep those primary teeth healthy, we recommend the following:

● Bring your baby in for their first oral exam by their first birthday
● Continue to bring your child in for their regular oral exams – this helps Dr. Dogra catch any developing problems before they become big problems
● Encourage healthy brushing habits by leading by example
● Ensure your children brush their teeth at least twice per day for at least two minutes each time
● Limit the amount of sugary, starchy, sticky foods they are allowed to have, and have your children rinse with water or brush after eating

In addition to helping your child have the healthiest smile possible, we also treat dental injuries and accidents. Children are especially prone to knocking a tooth loose during a sports game, or while playing. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) notes that anywhere from 10-39% of children’s dental injuries are sports-related – mainly chipped or broken teeth. If you have questions about what dental gear is best or appropriate for the sport your child is playing, don’t hesitate to call us. We are always happy to assist.