Along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics, we recommend that a child's first dental visit be scheduled around his/her 1st birthday. Early dental visits allow children to become comfortable in the dental office and parents to learn the best ways to take care of their kids' teeth before problems arise. Prevention is always easier than treatment!

It is very important to make the first visit as positive and enjoyable for your child as possible. We want your child to enjoy getting to know our office and be comfortable at all times. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. Parents should not make a big deal out of the visit and refrain from using any words that could cause unnecessary fear, such as "needle", "hurt", or "drill" (some parents try to reassure their children by telling them, "It won't hurt"—this rarely works since in most cases, the only word the child hears is "hurt"!). We are experienced in dealing with children with anxiety and can explain treatment procedures in a positive and pleasant manner to avoid any anxious or negative feelings toward dentistry. It is normal for very young children to cry during their first few visits. This will not cause them to fear the dentist, and in fact makes future visits easier, since they'll be returning to a familiar place!

We believe in educating both children and their parents about good dental habits. We will review your child's health history and discuss any concerns you have about your child's oral health. We will also talk about how cavities are formed and what dietary and hygiene habits will minimize your child's risk of tooth decay. Dr. Faiyaz will also complete a comprehensive examination and discuss any findings with you.

Many people are not aware that cavities are an infectious disease! The decay process is actually initiated by bacteria that can be passed from one person to another (usually mother-to-child). These bacteria stick to the teeth, consume the sugars and starches in your mouth, and turn them into acids that attack the teeth. As time goes by, the teeth weaken and cavities are formed. One of the best ways to prevent these bacteria from settling in your child's mouth is to take care of your own teeth with regular dental visits and proper oral hygiene. This will lessen the chance that you pass the "bad" bacteria to your child. Also, make sure he/she does not share cups, spoons, etc. with anyone else. Using xylitol (see below) may also help to eliminate the "bad" bacteria in the mouth.

We recommend using a washcloth to rub your child's gums before any teeth come in. Once the first teeth appear, you can use a small, soft toothbrush to clean them. Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste when brushing, and wipe the teeth with a damp washcloth when you are finished. Make sure your child does not eat or drink anything besides water after brushing and before going to bed. As your child gets older and has teeth that touch each other, it will be important to start flossing. Keep in mind that most children don't develop the hand skills to do a great job brushing and flossing until around age 8, so your child will probably need your help until then.

Most parents know that sugary snacks and drinks cause cavities. However, there's more to the story. Starchy foods can break down in the mouth, turning into sugars that cause cavities. Also try to avoid sticky, sweet foods such as dried fruits and fruit snacks. These stick to the grooves of the teeth and can result in cavities. Fresh fruits and vegetables (the crunchier, the better!) and dairy products (cheese, yogurt) are great snacks for your child. Plain milk is a great drink for children, but make sure their teeth get brushed before bedtime! Be careful with bottles and sippy cups, as well. We recommend transitioning from a bottle to a cup around 12 months of age, and making sure that kids stick to drinking only water between meals (this is especially important if they carry a sippy cup with them all day).

Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that is added to tap water in many cities and is also present in many toothpastes, rinses, vitamins, and other products. Fluoride, in the right amounts, helps to strengthen teeth and reverse the early stages of cavities. The CDC has called the addition of fluoride to drinking water one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. If ingested in excessive doses, fluoride can cause discoloration to teeth, and in extremely high doses can be harmful to health. However, a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste ("pea-sized" in children over three, or the size of a grain of rice for younger toddlers and infants) is an extremely safe and effective way to fight the cavity process in children. Professional fluoride treatments in a dental office should also be administered twice a year for most children.

Xylitol is a naturally-occurring sugar. Research has shown that if used correctly, xylitol can help to eliminate the bacteria that cause cavities (it may also prevent ear infections in children, along with other benefits). Look for 100% xylitol-sweetened products such as mints, gums, and rinses. If used consistently several times a day for several months, xylitol may prevent your child from ever developing a cavity!

Baby teeth are important for so many reasons! They aid in speech development and help children chew their food. Baby teeth also hold space in the mouth for the developing adult teeth by forming paths for the adult teeth to follow. They also keep your child's smile looking great!

Sealants are a thin coating applied to the grooves of permanent molars (usually around age 6 or 7) that prevent cavities from forming in the grooves. They are a quick, painless, cost-effective way to cut down your child's risk of cavities. Keep in mind that sealants do not protect the in-betweens of the teeth, so it's still important to brush and FLOSS!

In a word, yes! X-rays are an essential tool in diagnosing cavities (especially in-between teeth), and they are very safe. We use low-radiation digital x-rays that release a fraction of the radiation of non-digital x-rays, and we also use lead aprons to keep your child safe.

If your child already has one or more cavities, we will develop a treatment plan tailored to you and your child's needs. This may include fillings or crowns, laughing gas, or even general anesthesia (see below). When your child arrives for the treatment visit, we will begin by explaining the procedure in child-friendly terms (this is called the "Tell-Show-Do" approach). After your child is comfortable, we will begin the procedure. Parents are always welcomed to stay with their children during treatment as silent observers. This allows your child to focus on our instructions while still feeling safe. However, many children actually behave better without their parents in the room. We will discuss the best techniques with you to help your child have a great experience!

While most children do very well for dental treatment, some children are more anxious than others and can benefit from more advanced approaches. Dr. Faiyaz is skilled at helping to calm the fears of nervous patients (even those who have had prior negative experiences), but, depending on your child's unique situation, we also offer several options to make his or her experience more pleasant. Our office is equipped to provide nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for patients who may be anxious or need several visits to complete their treatment. Nitrous oxide is a safe, pleasant, and short-acting option that works very well for children who are cooperative but just a bit nervous. For very young children or those with extensive needs and/or severe anxiety, general anesthesia may be the best approach. We will discuss the best options with you for your child's unique situation.

If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, find the tooth and pick it up only by the crown (not the root portion). You may rinse the tooth with water but DO NOT clean, scrape, or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have your child hold the tooth in place by biting on a cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, place it in a cup of milk as soon as possible. Call our office IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth. For any other type of damage to baby or adult teeth, please call our office as soon as possible.