Resources for Parents

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is an antimicrobial and remineralization agent to arrest active carious dental lesions.  SDF may be used as part a caries management plan, and it has the effect of permanently staining decay black. If your child has obvious cavities, but it too young or anxious to tolerate restorative care in the clinic, SDF may be an option.  SDF is not a permanent cure for caries, and additional treatment (such as restorations) may be required at a later date should caries continue to progress. If SDF contacts skin or soft tissue, it will temporarily stain the tissue gray-to-red.  Should SDF contact your child’s skin or clothing during a procedure, form a paste of salt and water, and gently scrub the affected area to lift the stain.

ECC refers to early childhood caries. Caries, the medical term for tooth decay, begins with an accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that grows on teeth and produces acid. The acid removes calcium from enamel and dentin, ultimately causing cavities. Because caries is progressive, it can spread from tooth to tooth.

Baby teeth can be removed due to trauma, severe decay or infection. Proximity to the expected time of loss determines when the permanent tooth will fill in the space. Usually a tooth removed within six months of its expected loss will result in speedier replacement by its permanent successor. If a baby tooth is removed a year or more from the expected time of loss, permanent tooth development may take up to a year longer than normal.

1. Tooth or a host
2. Bacteria, primarily mutans streptococci (MS)
3. Food or substrate
4. Time

1. Keep your own mouth healthy and clean, even before your baby is born.
2. Decrease the amounts of sugar and acid in your child’s diet. Since lactose is milk sugar, wean your child from the bottle and breast by age one.
3. Never give your child soda, and limit fruit juices to mealtime only. Both liquids are full of acid.
4. Brush your child’s teeth as soon as you see them, even if your child is only six months old. Use a soft-bristled brush with a smear of toothpaste only.
5. Brush your child’s teeth before bed and allow only water afterward; never put your child to bed with a bottle of juice or milk.
6. Start your child’s dental care before he or she is 12 months old.

Many children with special medical needs also have special dental needs. We have extra training to care for kids with special needs. Please click here to learn more about how Eversmiles can help.

1. More Chocolate, No Cavities: How Diet Can Keep Your Kid Cavity-Free by Roger Lucas (parents and Guardians)
2. Peppa Pig Goes to the Dentist (ages 2-5)
3. Smile by Raina Telgemeier  (ages 9 – 14)
4. The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist (ages 4-8)
5. Just Going to the Dentist – Little Critter by Mercer Mayer (ages 1 – 5)
6. David Decides About Thumbsucking: A Story for Children, a Guide for Parents (kindergarten through grade three)