Fircrest Dental Arts - James Gagliardi DDS
Here are some common questions about dental care for infants. Tacoma and
Fircrest dentist Jim Gagliardi is happy to answer any questions you might have by e-mail
or calling our office! We accept new patients of all ages and emergencies.
| How and When to Care for Your Child's Teeth at Home 1.
Using a damp washcloth or toothbrush, clean your baby's gums, even before any teeth erupt.
2. When teeth appear, use an infant soft-bristled toothbrush. If your dentist
recommends it, a small droplet of toothpaste may be used to provide adequate fluoride
therapy. As a parent, look for small white or brown spots on your baby's teeth,
which may indicate decay.
3. As a dentist, I strongly recommend ending sucking via bottle or breast by 1 year of
age. This will help your baby avoid teeth misalignment and baby bottle tooth decay.
4. Teach your child to brush at night prior to going to sleep. Teeth are more
susceptible to cavities while sleeping due to reduced salivary flow. |
Disclaimer |
As a parent, what should I be concerned about?
- The most prevalent (AND PREVENTABLE) problem for infants is Baby Bottle
Tooth Decay. Many parents unwittingly subject their children to long
periods of sugar induced tooth decay by feeding their baby sugar in baby formula, juice,
and even breastmilk. Babies who sleep with a baby bottle filled with any sugary
drink or who breast feed for long periods as they sleep are highly susceptible to tooth
decay. You can help your baby fight the early onset on cavities by bringing him/her
to the dentist early. The dentist has preventive measures such as fluoride
treatments which can help your baby develop healthy dentition.
When should my child start seeing the dentist?
- When your baby's first teeth start to come in! Typically, the 1st visit should be
around ages 18-24 months.
When does my baby start teething?
- The normal time for the first tooth to come in is between 6-12 months.
What happens at my baby's first dental visit?
- Often, the first visit is simply an introduction to our office. Since every
child's comfort level at the dentist's office is different, we assess each child
individually and proceed at the appropriate rate. As a dentist, I understand how
very important it is to first build a child's trust. If possible, I will then often ask
you, the parent, to sit in the dental chair with your child in your lap. As your
child's comfort level grows, a gentle approach will then consist of examining the teeth,
gums, and bite so that we can monitor the changes as your child grows. A gentle
cleaning and instruction on how to clean your child's teeth at home will also be included,
as indicated.
Does my child need to see a pedodontist (child
dentist)?
- As a general dentist, I am one of many general dentists trained to provide thorough and
comforting dental care for children. Pedodontists are specialists who see only
children and may be appropriate for you as well. Our office is happy to assist you
in the future dental health of your child.
How can I prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
- By not allowing your baby to breast or bottle feed while sleeping, you can help
immensely! Hold your baby while bottle feeding and if the baby needs a bottle at
bedtime, fill it with water, or replace the bottle with a pacifier or toy. Our
office is equipped to fight Baby Bottle Tooth Decay by providing fluoride treatments and
assessing the amount of fluoride your child is getting at home. Of course, brushing
your baby's teeth daily is very important.
Is thumb sucking a problem?
- Thumb and finger sucking is very normal for infants, usually diminishing by the age of
2. Once your child approaches an age of 5-6 years, his/her permanent teeth will soon
be erupting, and prolonged sucking at this age can lead to crowded teeth, crooked teeth,
or bite problems.
When does my baby start teething?
- The normal time for the first tooth to come in is between 6-12 months. Occassional
sore gums may exist until the age of 3, and a cold spoon, teething ring, or a cold wet
washcloth or toothbrush may effectively sooth the gums.
What is a teething ring?
- Teething rings are small fluid filled 'rings' which are kept chilled and are effective
at soothing your child's sore gums while he/she is teething.
I look forward to working with you in the future! James P Gagliardi DDS
Dental Advice Index 
| Cosmetic
Cases / Photos | Our
Mission | About Dr. Gagliardi |
Appointment Request
| Directions | Health Form
Printout | Patient
Comments | Links | Payment
Options | Privacy Policy | Ask Dr. Gagliardi a question!
This web site designed by...
City Dental
Referral Service & Web
Site Design - Dentists Click Here!
©1999-2005 CityDRS.com
Last revised: June 12, 2005.
