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Yes, but the patient must be accompanied with a letter signed by a legal guardian authorizing the person bringing the child to do so and to make medical decisions in case of a medical emergency.
Our office hours are Monday - Friday, from 9:00AM - 5:00PM. Please call (713) 436-8988 to make an appointment during these hours.
Aetna DMO (State of Texas/Plan 35 ONLY), Aetna PPO, Ameritas PPO, Assurant PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Careington, Cigna PPO and DMO, Delta Dental PPO and Premier, Dentemax PPO, Great West PPO, Guardian PPO, Humana PPO, Metlife, North American Dental, Oraquest, Safeguard PPO and HMO, United Condordia PPO, UMR PPO, and United Healthcare EPO and PPO.
Call your pediatric dentist and visit the office promptly. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water. Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth. Do NOT put heat or aspirin on the sore area.
**Compliments of AAPD
"First visit by first birthday" sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.
**Compliments of AAPD
The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (also know as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Your child risks severe decay from using a bottle during naps or at night or when they nurse continuously from the breast.
The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.
**Compliments of AAPD
Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.
**Compliments of AAPD
The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush and water. Remember that most small children do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively. Unless it is advised by your child’s pediatric dentist, do not use fluoridated toothpaste until age 2-3.
Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle. At-will nighttime breast-feeding should be avoided after the first primary (baby) teeth begins to erupt. Drinking juice from a bottle should be avoided. When juice is offered, it should be in a cup
**Compliments of AAPD
Dental sealants can protect your children from cavities. Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to act as a barrier between the tooth and harmful bacteria. They are most effective when applied to decay-susceptible biting surfaces as soon as the teeth come in.
The sealing material is applied to the tooth surface using an “etching” fluid. The sealant partially penetrates the tooth enamel, ensuring that it is firmly attached to the tooth. Once applied, the sealant fills in the tooth’s grooves, hardens and creates a thin plastic barrier that keeps cavity causing bacterial out of the pits and fissures.
Sealants can stop cavities before they begin. Children are prone to cavities because of the natural shape of their growing teeth. When first molars come in around age six, deep crevices called pits and fissures form on the chewing surfaces of these back teeth. Pits and fissures are so narrow that the bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach into them, making them difficult to clean. However, these crevices provide plenty of room for bacteria to grow.
Children’s eating habits also lead to cavities. Their diets generally include frequent snacking, and they rarely brush as often as necessary. Children are usually brushing their own teeth by age six, and they may not be doing an adequate job.
Application is fast and painless. Your child will be happy to know that with sealants, there is no drilling and no discomfort. Either your dentist or a registered dental hygienist can apply sealants, and the process takes less time than having a tooth filled.
ADA Positions & Statements
Bisphenol A and Dental Sealants, Composite Dental Fillings
CHICAGO (December, 2007)—Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in the manufacture of some types of plastics, primarily for consumer products. Concerns have been raised about the safety of such widespread use of BPA in consumer products, because laboratory testing has suggested that it may affect reproduction and development by mimicking the effects of the female hormone estrogen. To date, these effects observed in laboratory animals have not been observed in humans.
Humans are exposed to BPA through its use by the food industry in the manufacture of epoxy resins that coat cans and polycarbonate bottles that hold foods and beverages. It is also used in the manufacture of some children’s toys, plastic tableware and infant bottles. BPA is also released to the environment in industrial and household wastes. Although BPA is not an ingredient in any dental product, there is some evidence that some dental sealants and to a lesser extent composites may contribute to low-level BPA exposure, probably through the action of salivary enzymes on a minor ingredient.
On November 26, 2007, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the availability of the Bisphenol A Expert Panel Report on the reproductive and developmental effects of BPA1. The report states that, “Dental sealant exposure to bisphenol A occurs primarily with use of dental sealants bisphenol A dimethylacylate. This exposure is considered an acute and infrequent event with little relevance to estimating general population exposures.”
The ADA sees no cause for concern at this time regarding potential BPA exposure from composites or sealants. Exposure from these dental materials is significantly lower and occurs infrequently when compared to all other sources of exposure. The presence of a substance in the environment or in human blood or urine samples does not mean that that substance is necessarily causing harm. Whether or not a substance is harmful to human health typically depends upon how much of the substance we are exposed to. Virtually any substance can have a harmful effect at high doses—even water and vitamins.
Nevertheless, the ADA supports additional research into how much BPA people are actually exposed to and at what levels of exposure health effects start to occur.
As the professional association of dentists committed to the public's oral health, the ADA is greatly interested in the results of such research. The ADA looks to the HHS to provide scientific guidance on issues that affect the health of Americans.
Footnotes
1Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction. National Toxicology Program U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NTP-CERHR Expert Panel Report on the Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Bisphenol A. November 26, 2007. (http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov/chemicals/bisphenol/BPAFinalEPVF112607.pdf accessed November 30, 2007)
Page Posted: December 17, 2007
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 155,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer and professional products.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) is the membership organization representing the specialty of pediatric dentistry. Our 7,000 members work in private offices, clinics and hospital settings and serve as primary care providers for millions of infants, children, adolescents and patients with special health care needs. In addition, AAPD members serve as the primary contributors to professional education programs and scholarly works concerning dental care for children.
Mission Statement
The mission of the AAPD is to advocate policies, guidelines and programs that promote optimal oral health and oral health care for children. The AAPD serves and represents its membership in the areas of professional development and governmental and legislative activities. It is a liaison to other health care groups and the public.
Vision Statement
The vision of the AAPD is optimal health and care for infants, children, adolescents and persons with special health care needs. The AAPD is the leader in representing the oral health interests of children. The pediatric dentist is a recognized primary oral health care provider and resource for specialty referral.
Pediatric Dentistry: A Recognized Dental Specialty
Pediatric dentistry is one of the nine recognized dental specialties of the American Dental Association. Pediatric dentists complete two to three years of additional specialized training (after the required four years of dental school) to prepare them for treating a wide variety of children's dental problems. They are also trained and qualified to care for patients with medical, physical or mental disabilities.
Generally, thumb sucking before the age of two is normal and harmless. When thumb sucking is not stopped by the appropriate age (generally by the age of two or three), then parents should discourage the act. Prolonged thumb sucking may contribute to crowded and/or crooked teeth development, bite problems, and a constricted airway.
What you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.
If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor. Dentures that are not cleaned properly can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles.
One of the warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease is persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria create toxins that irritate the gums. In the advanced stage of the disease, the gums, bone and other structures that support the teeth become damaged. With regular dental checkups, your dentist can detect and treat periodontal disease early.
Bad breath is also caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe an artificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.
Tobacco products cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduce one's ability to taste foods and irritate gum tissues. Tobacco users are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease and are at greater risk for developing oral cancer. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.
Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract (nose throat, windpipe, lungs), chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath.
Eliminating periodontal disease and maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you've had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.
Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth. If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night. Clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.
Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor, see your dentist. If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouthrinse. A fluoride mouthrinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can help prevent tooth decay.
** Compliments of American Dental Association
A baby tooth usually stays in until a permanent tooth underneath pushes it out and takes its place. Unfortunately, some children lose a baby tooth too soon. A tooth might be knocked out accidentally or removed because of dental disease. When a tooth is lost too early, your pediatric dentist may recommend a space maintainer to prevent future space loss and dental problems.
** Compliments of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Baby teeth are important to your child's present and future dental health. They encourage normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. They save space for the permanent teeth and guide them into position. Remember: Some baby teeth are not replaced until a child is 12 or 14 years old.
**Compliments of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
In addition, it is very important to establish good oral hygiene habits while your child has their baby teeth. These habits: brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using mouthwash are the habits that your child is going to continue when their permanent teeth erupt.
If a baby tooth is lost too soon, the teeth beside it may tilt or drift into the empty space. Teeth in the other jaw may move up or down to fill the gap. When adjacent teeth shift into the empty space, they create a lack of space in the jaw for the permanent teeth. So, permanent teeth are crowded and come in crooked. If left untreated, the condition may require extensive orthodontic treatment.
**Compliments of American Academy of Pediatric Dentisty
Space maintainers are appliances made of metal or plastic that are custom fit to your child's mouth. They are small and unobtrusive in appearance. Most children easily adjust to them after the first few days.
Space maintainers hold open the empty space left by a lost tooth. They steady the remaining teeth, preventing movement until the permanent tooth takes its natural position in the jaw. It's more affordable -- and easier on your child -- to keep teeth in normal positions with a space maintainer than to move them back in place with orthodontic treatment.
**Compliments of AAPD
Pediatric dentists have four rules for space maintainer care. First, avoid sticky sweets or chewing gum. Second, don't tug or push on the space maintainer with your fingers or tongue. Third, keep it clean with conscientious brushing and flossing. Fourth, continue regular dental visits.
**Compliments of AAPD
When your child needs urgent dental treatment, contact our office as soon as possible.
If it is a permanent tooth try to find the tooth and/or missing pieces of that tooth to bring to our office. Rinse it gently in cool water if there is debris on it. DO NOT SCRUB IT OR CLEAN IT WITH ANY TYPE OF SOAP!
If your child allows you to do so please try to replace the tooth in their socket and hold it there. You can use a clean gauze or a wash cloth for them to bite on if necessary.
If you can't put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or water.
Get to our office immediately. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.
If your child suffers a severe head or jaw fracture go directly to the emergency room. This can be life threatening and should be treated first.
Absolutely! First, reduce oral injury in sports by wearing mouth guards. Second, always use a car seat for young children. Require seat belts for everyone else in the car. Third, child-proof your home to prevent falls, electrical injuries, and choking on small objects. Fourth, protect your child from unnecessary toothaches with regular dental visits and preventive care.
**Compliments of AAPD
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