1. At what age should I start bringing my child to the dentist?
“First visit by first birthday”, According to the American Acedemy of Pediatric Dentistry. Experts say that getting an early start on dental care can be the most effective way to make sure a child’s teeth have a healthy start.
2. What will my child’s first visit be like?
It is important to start children early in the right direction to good dental hygiene. At Miles of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to make your child’s visit educational and enjoyable. We want your child to feel good about visiting the dentist and understand the importance of taking care of their teeth. As parents, you can help us make your child’s visit a positive one.
It is best to refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill, or hurt. Pediatric dental offices make a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to a child.
We are all highly experienced in helping children overcome anxiety. Separation anxiety is not uncommon in children, so please try not to be concerned if your child exhibits some negative behavior. This is normal and will soon diminish.
What will your child experience during their first visit to Miles of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry?
– All teeth and soft tissues will be fully examined
– Occlusion, the way our teeth fit together, will be evaluated
– Discussions with you and your child on any habits (thumb-sucking, pacifiers, bottles, etc.)
– Teeth will be cleaned and polished
– Fluoride treatment will be provided
– Brushing and flossing techniques will be reviewed
– Digital x-rays will be taken to diagnose cavities, infections, tooth positions, and location of unerupted teeth.
We value the trust you place in us as part of your child’s healthcare team, and appreciate your cooperation in creating a positive, confidence boosting experience for your child.
3. Are parents allowed to go back with their child/children?
Yes, parents are always welcome to accompany their child in the treatment areas.
4. How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?
You should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year, though your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend more frequent visits.
Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities. Additionally, there are many other things that are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain your dental health. These include:
Medical history review: Knowing the status of any current medical conditions, new medications, and illnesses, gives us insight to your overall health and also your dental health.
Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
Teeth polishing: Removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during toothbrushing and scaling.
Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
Review dietary habits: Your eating habits play a very important role in your dental health.
As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care, and to do so will require regular check-ups and cleanings.
5. Why is it important to use dental floss?
Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except in between the teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrush can�t reach these areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.
Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that cause cavities and irritate and inflame the gums. Also, when plaque is not removed above and below the gumline, it hardens and turns into calculus (tartar). This will further irritate and inflame the gums and also slowly destroy the bone. This is the beginning of periodontal disease.
6. How do I floss properly?
Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
7. Do you offer sedation?
We do not offer sedations in our office. We offer nitrous oxide (also known as “happy air” or “laughing gas”) for your child’s comfort.
8. Which insurance companies does your office accept?
Currently our office is in network with the following insurance companies:
Aetna, Cigna, Metlife, United Health Care, Floridia Combine Life, Principle, Ameritas, The Standard, Solstice, Dentaquest Medicaid, MCNA Medicaid, MCNA FHK
***As a courtesy, all other insurance plans can be filed for you.