A pediatric dentist is a specialist dedicated to the oral health of children. Pediatric dentists complete two or three years of additional specialized training beyond dental school which includes study in child psychology, growth and development. They are also trained and qualified to care for patients with medical, physical or mental disabilities. Their specialization allows them to provide treatment for a wide variety of children's dental problems such as tooth decay and cavities, malocclusion and "crooked teeth", and emergency care. Dr. Hargleroad's office is specifically designed for treating children from infancy through adolescence, as well as the medically and physically compromised.
At what age should my child visit the dentist?
We follow the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that the first dental visit should occur by 12 months of age. This allows our team to closely monitor your child's dental health, growth and development and discuss important issues such as diet, fluoride exposure, thumb/pacifier habits and oral hygiene.
What guidelines will help children remain cavity free?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the following:
Brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice daily (unless your child is under the age of 2 years)
Floss your child's teeth once daily
Visit your pediatric dentist regularly (generally every 6 months)
Get enough fluoride through drinking water, fluoride products and fluoride supplementation (if necessary)
Have sealants applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent back teeth or molars.
Limit snacking during the day-especially carbohydrates and sugary liquids such as sodas, juices and tea
Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
It is very important that primary teeth are kept in place until they are lost naturally. Primary or "baby" teeth serve many critical functions. They allow children to chew properly, aid in self-esteem and esthetics, allow speech development, and also maintain space for permanent teeth. A healthy smile can help children feel good about the way they look to others. While your child's front teeth will be replaced approximately at 6-8 years of age, the back teeth (molars) will not be lost until age 10-13. Your child will have their baby teeth for many years!
How important is a child's diet in the prevention of cavities?
Your child must have a balanced diet for his/her teeth to develop properly. Equally important, a diet high in certain kinds of carbohydrates (sugars and starches) may place your child at extra risk for tooth decay. It is not only what your child eats, but also the frequency of meals and snacks. Frequent snacking without brushing increases the likelihood of cavity development. In addition frequent exposure to sugary liquids such as juice, soda or tea can cause widespread dental cavities. Be careful how you use a baby bottle and/or "sippy" cup! You are responsible for making healthy decisions for your child to ensure proper oral health.
What are dental sealants and who can benefit from them?
Sealants protect the grooves and pits on the chewing surface of the back teeth or molars. Even if your child brushes and flosses carefully, it is impossible to clean the tiny grooves and pits on certain teeth. Current research has shown that 4 out of 5 cavities in children under age 15 develop on the biting surface of back molars. Food and bacteria can accumulate in these crevices, placing your child at risk for tooth decay. Sealants are adhesive plastic coatings that are applied to the tops of teeth and they "seal out" the plaque, acid, and bacteria.
What are amalgams (silver fillings)?
An amalgam, or silver filling, is often used to restore or fill decayed areas in the back teeth. They are often used in situations when it is not possible to place a white filling. Amalgams have been shown to be completely safe and effective in restoring both primary and permanent teeth.
What are composites (white fillings)?
Composites or tooth colored fillings are used in many applications. They may be used or repair fractured teeth and/or areas of decay. We utilize composites for the restoration of the front teeth where cosmetic appearance is important. The shade of the filling is matched closely as possible to the color of the natural tooth. These fillings are bonded to the natural tooth. In order to successfully bond a filling to a tooth, it must be kept completely dry from saliva. In some areas, such as the very back teeth where it may be difficult to isolate and keep dry, composites may not be the bet choice.
What are stainless steel crowns?
Stainless steel crowns are silver colored "caps" used to restore teeth that are too badly decayed to hold fillings, need a nerve treatment, or when durability is a concern. Research has shown that a stainless steel crown is more durable than fillings when two or more surfaces of a tooth are decayed. Crowns with white facings can be used on front teeth.
What is a pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy is a nerve treatment in which the "sick" portion of the nerve is removed and a medication is placed in order to avoid extracting the tooth. Generally, a tooth that has had a pulpotomy will also require a stainless steel crown for strength.
What is a pulpectomy?
A pulpectomy is the removal of the entire tooth nerve. This procedure is necessary when the nerve of a tooth is dead, or necrotic. A medicated filling is placed in the roots of the teeth. This option is an attempt to save a tooth that would otherwise require extraction.
What are space maintainers?
A space maintainer is used to hold space for a permanent tooth when a baby tooth is lost prematurely. If space is not maintained, teeth on either side of the missing tooth can drift into the space and prevent the permanent tooth from erupting.
Why are "baby teeth" important?
Primary teeth are also known as baby teeth. Although the first baby tooth is lost around the age of 6, some primary molars remain in place until 12-13 years of age. Primary teeth have many functions including chewing, speech, development of the jaws and esthetics. Care of the primary teeth is necessary to avoid pain and infection that can result from their neglect.
Do you allow parents to come back with their children?
During appointments, one parent is allowed to accompany their child in the treatment room. We ask that you remain a "silent observer" so that Dr. Hargleroad and her staff are able to effectively communicate with your child. Research has shown that children over the age of three tend to behave better when the parent is not present. As your child matures, we hope they will feel comfortable coming back by themselves. This helps to better establish your child's trust and independence. Finally, if you expect your child to do well and enjoy their visit to our office, chances are that they will do just that!
What do I do if my child is in an accident?
If your child has an accident, please call our office immediately! (970) 493-2254.
If it is an after hours emergency, Dr. Hargleroad will be paged through the answering service.
The first 30 minutes after a dental accident are the most critical. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, gently and quickly rinse, but do not scrub the tooth under water. If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there by biting on a clean gauze or a washcloth. If this is impossible, place the tooth in a glass of milk and come to the office immediately. The faster you act, the better chance of saving the tooth! If the tooth is fractured, please bring in any fragments you can find. Baby teeth should NOT be replaced if knocked out!
Our schedule may be delayed in order to accommodate an injured child. Please accept our apologies in advance should an emergency occur during your child's appointment. The same attention will be given to your child, should he/she become involved in an accident.
If your child has an accident, please call our office immediately! (970) 493-2254.
If it is an after hours emergency, Dr. Hargleroad will be paged through the answering service
What is enamel fluorosis?
Enamel fluorosis is a condition that occurs when a child is exposed to excessive amounts of fluoride during the years of tooth development. Too much fluoride can result in defects within the enamel which may present as white, yellow, or brown spots, streaks or lines. In severe cases, the surface of the enamel may be pitted.
Should I avoid fluorides altogether for my child?
Definitely not! Fluoride is important in preventing tooth decay. Dr. Hargleroad will assist you in determining if your child is receiving the proper amount of fluoride.
Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful to my child's teeth?
Thumb and pacifier habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but some children repeatedly suck on a finger, pacifier or other object over a long period of time. In these children, the upper front teeth may tip toward the lip or not come in properly. Dr. Hargleroad will closely evaluate your child's habit and monitor their growth and development. When your child is old
My child's teeth are coming in crooked. What can I do?
Teeth often come in crooked. It's not unusual to have the lower permanent incisors erupt behind the primary (baby) incisors which can result in a double row of teeth. Most of the time the situation corrects itself when the baby teeth fall out. Sometimes, though, primary teeth need to be helped out. And in some cases we refer you to an orthodontist for an evaluation.
My child grinds his/her teeth at night
It is very common for young children to grind their teeth. Tooth grinding is not a big concern because it usually resolves itself when the permanent teeth begin to erupt at about 6-7 years of age. If the habit persists and evidence of wear occurs on the permanent teeth, Dr. Hargleroad will discuss treatment options.
Is my child old enough for braces?
A child's need for braces is not determined by age, but rather how straight the teeth are and how well they are functioning. Dr. Hargleroad will evaluate the "bite" at each re-care appointment and will refer the child for an orthodontic consultation when necessary. Sometimes children will need to begin orthodontic treatment earlier than others to correct more serious issues.
