Dental Development & Teething
Teeth typically begin to erupt around 6 months, with most children having all 20 primary teeth by age 3. Eruption patterns can vary; do not worry if your child doesn’t follow the typical timeline.
Teething symptoms may include gum sensitivity, drooling, irritability, and low-grade fever. For relief, massage gums, use frozen teething toys, or administer Tylenol or Motrin according to the dosage by weight on the packaging. Over-the-counter numbing medications containing benzocaine, such as Orajel, ARE NOT recommended at this age, per the newest FDA guidelines on medications used for teething released in 2018.
Oral Hygiene
Initially, a washcloth can clean baby teeth, but brushing twice daily is essential as more teeth erupt. Beginning at the age of 1, use a “smear” of fluoride toothpaste for children until the age of 3, and a “pea-sized” amount for ages 3-5. It is normal for preschool-age children to be unable to spit out all of the toothpaste.
Practicing fluoride safety and monitoring fluoride use will help to prevent fluorosis, the discoloration of permanent teeth from excessive fluoride intake during development, or any other complications. Fluoride toothpaste should always be out of small children’s reach to prevent them from accidentally ingesting it without a parent knowing. If you suspect your child has ingested copious amounts of fluoride toothpaste without parental supervision or knowledge, attempt to have the child drink an entire glass of milk. If they refuse, the child should chew chewable Tums, as the goal is for the calcium in either the milk or the Tums to bind the fluoride ions, rendering them incapable of causing further problems. It is always a good idea to call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 to get accurate dosage amounts and advice if you suspect this happened.
Diet & Nutrition
Encourage cup drinking and aim to wean from bottles and nighttime breastfeeding by age 1 to reduce nursing decay risk. A balanced diet is crucial for growth, and post-snack brushing can help prevent tooth decay. Limiting sugary foods and drinks, especially between meals, can help to prevent cavities.
Not only do sugary beverages like juice, soda, and sports drinks carry a very high cavity causing potential, but sugar-free sports drinks and flavored waters containing citric acid also present a high risk for cavities as well. These drinks should be minimal in your little one’s diet, as water is always the best choice for hydration! Establishing healthy eating habits early on, paired with regular dental care, lays the foundation for strong teeth and a lifetime of good oral health.
Traumatic Injuries
Oral injuries can happen at any age, but young children are particularly susceptible due to falls and accidents as they learn to be mobile. If your child experiences a mouth injury, immediate attention is important to prevent further damage. For baby teeth, our focus is on ensuring the surrounding teeth and gums remain healthy while permanent teeth develop.
If your child experiences a dental emergency after hours, please call our office at (337) 474-2563, Our after-hours voicemail will provide the option to be forwarded to Dr. Robinson’s direct line for emergencies.
Oral Habits
Sucking habits are normal in infants, but pacifiers should stop being used at the age of 1. Finger sucking can be more tricky to stop, but if your child still has a sucking habit beyond the age of two, please let Dr. Robinson know at his or her check-up so that a cessation plan can best be tailored for your child and your family.
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is common and typically concerning only if there’s significant wear on the teeth. Typically, grinding stops on its own once all permanent teeth are erupted and in an ideal jaw relationship.
Future Dental Visits
Children should have check-ups every 6 months for exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments, with X-rays taken annually (if and when they are cooperative enough to have them taken). During visits, our fun and engaging office atmosphere can help reduce anxiety, making it easier for children to become comfortable with dental care.
Dental Development & Teething
Around age 6, children start losing primary teeth and gaining permanent ones. As permanent teeth emerge, crowding may occur, making cleaning difficult in those areas. We will monitor your child’s bite and may refer you to an orthodontist if any issues arise.
Flouride & Sealants
Fluoride is vital for preventing cavities and repairing early decay. Ensure your child has access to fluoridated water, fluoride toothpaste, and regular fluoride treatments at his or her dental visits.
Sealants are a protective resin layer that can be flowed into the biting surface grooves of the molars and can significantly reduce cavities by up to 80%.
Diet, Nutrition & Oral Care
A balanced diet is crucial for your child’s overall development, including dental health. Snacks high in sugars and carbohydrates and drinks high in sugar and/or acid (soda, sports drinks, juices, sweetened tea) can harm teeth; brushing after these snacks is essential. Regular brushing should occur every morning and night, with adult assistance needed until age 9-10, and flossing should be done daily, preferably at night.
Emergencies & Traumatic Injuries
Traumatic injuries in children ages 6-11 often happen due to their increased participation in extracurricular activities. Be prepared for emergencies by reviewing our guidelines. We are always available to see emergencies, so please do not hesitate to call. If your child experiences a dental emergency after hours, please call our office at (337) 474-2563, Our after-hours voicemail will provide the option to be forwarded to Dr. Robinson’s direct line for emergencies.
Future Dental Visits
Children should have check-ups every 6 months for an exam, a cleaning, fluoride treatments, x-rays annually, and to reinforce good habits. After each visit, Dr. Robinson will discuss any future treatments needed.
Dental Development & Teething
The last permanent tooth to erupt is typically the second molar, which usually comes in around age 12. Wisdom teeth generally begin to erupt between the ages of 17 and 21; however, most individuals do not have sufficient space for these teeth, often necessitating their removal by an oral surgeon. We recommend having wisdom teeth removed early to avoid complications or pain, as early removal can lead to quicker healing with fewer risks.
Flouride & Sealants
Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps prevent cavities and repair early decay stages. It is most effective when obtained through a combination of sources: drinking fluoridated water, using fluoride toothpaste, and receiving regular fluoride treatments at check-ups.
A sealant is a thin resin layer applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay. Sealants are recommended for all permanent molars and any other teeth with deep pits and grooves that are prone to cavities.
Bleaching & Whitening Options
While many teens express interest in teeth whitening, it is recommended to wait until all permanent teeth have fully erupted and have been straightened with braces if the child requires them. Once this occurs, bleaching can be a safe option for achieving a brighter smile. The most effective whitening method involves custom trays tailored to fit your child’s mouth, allowing for even distribution of the bleaching agent with minimal sensitivity.
Whitening strips offer a more affordable whitening alternative but may cause sensitivity due to them not being custom fitted to your child’s mouth
Diet, Nutrition & Oral Care
As adolescents become increasingly independent between the ages of 12 and 18, it is important to continue to make healthy choices for snacks and drinks. Snacks high in sugars and carbohydrates, and drinks high in sugar and/or acid (soda, sports drinks, juices, sweetened tea) can be especially harmful to teeth. It is important to brush teeth every morning after breakfast and every night before bed. Night time brushing is most crucial, as salivary flow that usually buffers the oral environment is decreased during sleep, which increases the cavity risk. Floss at least once per day, also preferably at night. Pay special attention to tight contact areas, spots that trap food, and around any orthodontic appliances and braces.
Dental Injuries & Emergency Care
Any injury resulting in bleeding or fractured teeth should be assessed immediately, as most children between the ages of 12 and 18 have all permanent teeth. We are available for emergencies; do not hesitate to call, even if the office is closed. If your child experiences a dental emergency after hours, call our office at (337) 474-2563, Our after-hours voicemail will provide the option to be forwarded to Dr. Robinson’s direct line for emergencies.
If your child participates in sports, custom mouthguards can be provided to protect their teeth, lips, and face from injury.
Checkups & Treatments
Children and young adults should visit the dentist every six months to maintain dental health and reinforce good habits. These visits include a full examination, cleaning, fluoride application, x-rays (annually), and guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques. Dr. Robinson will review X-rays and discuss any necessary treatments with you after each visit.
After each examination, we will consult with you about any upcoming dental treatments required for your child. Appointments for dental procedures can be arranged to suit your child’s needs through our front office staff.
Graduation Day
When a child reaches the age of 18, or sometimes before 18 if his or her dental needs fall outside of the scope of pediatric dentistry, we refer out to general dentistry so that excellent oral health can be maintained through adulthood with a dentist that is best suited for the job. We adore watching our little patients grow and hate to see them go, making every Graduation Day bittersweet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Our bleaching process uses carbamide peroxide, which does not damage teeth. It releases hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth without softening or weakening them, but it can cause sensitivity during the bleaching process.
Some do whiten teeth, but prolonged use may cause damage to the enamel. Dentist supervision is recommended for safe and effective whitening.
Popping occurs when the jawbone moves off its cartilage pad, usually when opening the mouth too wide. A referral to a specialized TMJ physical therapist may be necessary if there’s pain or locking.
Tooth decay results from plaque reacting with sugars and starches, producing acid that breaks downtooth enamel over time.
Unfortunately, there’s no proven cure for ulcers. However, there are medications that can be prescribed by Dr. Robinson that can provide temporary relief. They usually heal within 5-7 days.
Nighttime grinding can be damaging. Depending on the patient’s age, a nightguard may be prescribed, and stress management can help reduce grinding.
X-rays are essential for diagnosis and are prescribed carefully to minimize radiation exposure. By using state-of-the-art technology, like digital radiography, and by staying knowledgeable about recent advances, we know which techniques, procedures, and X-ray films can minimize your radiation exposure.
A root canal cleans diseased pulp from a tooth and fills the canal with a rubber-like material called gutta percha, then seals the tooth with a porcelain or metal cap to prevent recontamination. These are only completed on permanent teeth and must be referred out if one is necessary, as Dr. Robinson does not specialize in these.
A pulpotomy is a nerve treatment that is completed on a baby tooth when decay extends to the nerve of the tooth. The portion of the nerve that is in only the crown of the tooth is removed and a medication is placed in this space, while the nerve in the roots are left alone. The medication is then sealed off by placing a crown on the baby tooth. It is often important to complete this treatment instead of just taking the baby tooth out so that the baby tooth can save the space for the permanent tooth to follow.
Wisdom teeth removal is best done before roots begin to form to reduce future complications associated with them trying to erupt with not enough space to do so. The beginning of root formation can be identified on a special x-ray during adolescence.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children should see a dentist at the age of 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting, whichever happens first.
Baby teeth are crucial for chewing and guiding permanent teeth into a most ideal position.Infected baby teeth can cause permanent teeth to develop improperly, and early removal can lead to space loss and other dental issues later on.
Children typically begin to lose baby teeth between ages 5 and 7, and finish around age 12 or 13. Every child is different, so there is some flexibility when it comes to timelines for permanent teeth.
Thumb-sucking usually doesn’t cause damage if stopped by the time the last molars in the mouth erupt, around age 3. Prolonged sucking can lead to tooth movement and bone growth issues. Dr. Robinson has lots of tips and tricks to help children stop, so let us know if you are concerned at your child’s next appointment.
Yes, a mouthguard is recommended for all contact sports to prevent injuries – regardless of age.
Time is crucial in this situation. For a permanent tooth, place it back in the socket or in a glass of milk or contact saline solution, and see a dentist immediately for emergency care. Do not ever reinsert a baby tooth, as it can traumatize the developing permanent tooth underneath it.
No, water irrigation tools shouldn’t replace flossing. Water irrigation can help remove food particles when there are appliances in the mouth (expanders, braces, bridges, etc.), but cannot remove plaque from between the teeth.
Bad breath in children can result from several issues. The most common causes are poor hygiene, neglecting to brush the tongue, retained or pocketed food, allergies and post nasal drainage, and using alcohol-based mouthwash which causes dehydration of the oral tissues. There are some other health issues that can contribute, so you should discuss with Dr. Robinson if you feel your child suffers from this.
Regular visits every 6 months are recommended to monitor oral health and prevent complications.
Bleeding gums may indicate gingivitis due to plaque buildup. It can be reversed with proper oral hygiene, but persistent bleeding requires a dentist’s consultation.