FAQs

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday, and at Bartlett Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we enthusiastically endorse this important guideline. By scheduling this early visit, we can examine your child's mouth, provide valuable education on proper dental care, and address any questions you may have about their oral health. We recommend that all children begin regular check-ups every six months starting at age one. Additionally, we usually plan to conduct a child's first cleaning around age three, helping to establish good dental habits early on.

We encourage the use of fluoridated toothpaste for all children aged three and older, as it can be beneficial for their dental health. For children under the age of three, we will evaluate each child's specific need for fluoride on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's oral health, we invite you to bring them in for an examination, where we can work together to determine the best approach for their needs.

As your child develops, we are dedicated to addressing all of their dental needs until their 21st birthday. This transition marks an important step in their dental health journey, as they move on to a general dentist who will take care of their adult dental needs. We look forward to supporting your family through this process!

For parents of children with special needs, we understand and emphasize the importance of building a trusting relationship with them. As pediatric dentists, we have additional training and experience with patients that have special needs. As such, we will continue to see patients with special needs past their 21st birthday and into adulthood with no age cutoff!

Dental issues like anterior open bites, where the upper front teeth do not contact the lower teeth, and posterior crossbites, where the palate is too thin, are frequently brought on by oral habits like thumbsucking beyond the age of three or using a pacifier after the age of two. Sometimes, if the habit is broken early enough, these issues resolve themselves. A few recommendations: Use positive reinforcement to break the day thumb habit when the thumb is not in the mouth. 

One suggestion is to use a calendar. Get your child a book of entertaining stickers and choose a calendar. Additionally, after the child has broken the habit, choose a unique item or incentive to give them. 

Put a sticker on the calendar for each day that they neglect to suck their thumb. Make a large

Put a sticker on the calendar for each day they don't suck their thumb. Put the sticker on the calendar and make a big deal out of every day they don't suck their thumb. They've most likely broken the habit if they can stick with it for a month! After that, present them with the unique gift they selected. We'll also offer them a special award if you bring in your calendar with all of the stickers. 

Cold-turkey techniques for pacifiers: allow the child to attach the pacifier to a helium balloon and then launch it. Or, for a treat, mail it to Santa. Or offer it as a treat to a friend or acquaintance who is expecting a child.

Using a gradual approach, trim the pacifier by 1/4 inch per week until it is too short to use. In any case, expect a few sleepless nights until it ends.

Please don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with our team so we can evaluate your kid and talk with you about any thumb or pacifier habits that look problematic!

This situation is quite common, particularly in children under four years old. When a tooth changes color due to trauma, it's important to understand that outcomes can vary. In some cases, the tooth may gradually lighten, while in others, it could continue to darken.

If a tooth remains dark, it could suggest that the nerve inside is not healthy. Some darkened teeth might develop an abscess, which is an infection that could be indicated by a pimple on the gums above the tooth. It may also feel slightly loose or become painful. However, it's comforting to know that a dark tooth can sometimes remain unchanged and not cause any issues for a long time.

If you've noticed that your child's tooth is dark, we encourage you to schedule an appointment for a thorough examination. We can assess the situation, check for any signs of infection, and discuss the best steps to take moving forward. Your child's dental health is our priority, and together we can ensure they receive the care they need.

Some children naturally have a higher tendency to develop cavities due to the susceptibility of their enamel. If your child has more than a few cavities in their first 12 years, you can take proactive steps to support their dental health.

At home, you can play a significant role by supervising their brushing twice a day and assisting with their flossing routine once a day. Reducing sugar intake, especially between meals, is also essential. It’s worth noting that many cereals and drinks contain hidden sugars, so be mindful of these sources alongside typical sweets like candy and cookies. Fruit juices, including apple juice, can be high in natural sugars, so it's good to monitor their consumption.

Don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatric dentist for tailored advice and recommendations specific to your child's needs. Establish a routine of professional cleanings and exams every six months, and advocate for a topical fluoride gel treatment during each visit for added protection. If cavities are found, addressing them promptly while they are still small can make a significant difference. Additionally, consider discussing the benefits of sealants for permanent teeth with your dentist.

By consistently implementing these practices, you can help your child maintain a healthy smile and reduce the likelihood of cavities. Your involvement makes a positive impact on their dental health!

If teeth remain in the mouth after an injury, gently reposition them with your fingers, as they may realign naturally. If permanent teeth are knocked out, kindly place them in milk or water without cleaning them, and reach out to our office immediately for further assistance. If this occurs after regular business hours, please call our office and a member of our team will be in touch with you soon!

For baby teeth, re-implantation is not advisable. Instead, you can effectively manage any bleeding by having your child bite down on gauze or a tea bag until the bleeding subsides. Should you encounter any dental emergency, please do not hesitate to contact us for tailored guidance.