FAQs about Pediatric Dentistry

What is a pediatric dentist?

In the same way that pediatricians are trained to meet a child's medical needs, pediatric dentists are uniquely qualified to protect your child's oral health. Dr. Darrow and Dr. Morris have an additional 2 years of training at university and hospital pediatric facilities in addition to 3-4 years of dental school and 4 years of college study. Pediatric dentists learn how to deal with the behavioral aspects of children, how to manage dental and medical problems unique to children and how to make them feel comfortable during their dental visits. Furthermore, pediatric dentists are highly trained to guide oral growth and development and are trained and qualified to treat children with disabilities.

When should my child first go to the dentist?

Because some cavities are unavoidable even in the presence of excellent oral hygiene and a good diet, your child should see the dentist within one year of the eruption of the first tooth. At this visit Dr. Morris or Dr. Darrow will check your child's teeth and give you prevention strategies to help ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Tips for a successful first visit

practice opening wide and looking at or counting teeth
don't use "bad" words such as hurt, pain, drill and shot, as your child may dwell on these images
don't tell your child about unpleasant dental experiences you may have had as a youngster (you will be surprised how different dentistry is now!)

Tips for a preventing cavities

brush twice a day and floss once a day
help or supervise your child's brushing and flossing until he/she can do it well (usually age 7 for brushing and 9 for flossing)
eat balanced meals
avoid constant snacking throughout the day
avoid sipping on sweet drinks (juice, soda, Gatorade) for long periods of time

Should my child take a fluoride supplement?

Fluoride works in two ways: any fluoride that gets onto your teeth (e.g. toothpaste) helps fight cavities on those teeth; any fluoride that is swallowed (e.g. fluoride in water or fluoride drops/tablets) helps the unerupted teeth that are developing. If you live in an area that has fluoridated water your child does not need a fluoride supplement. These areas include Morgan Hill, Palo Alto, Mountain View and the Evergreen area of San Jose. If you do not live in these areas talk to Dr. Darrow or Dr. Morris and see if a fluoride supplement is appropriate for your child.

How often should dental radiographs (x-rays) be taken?

Dental radiographs are an important aid of the diagnosis aspect of your child's examination. Not only do dental radiographs check for "hidden" cavities between the teeth, they are used to check for tooth and jaw development, periodontal (gum) disease and more serious conditions of the teeth and jaws.

Dr. Darrow and Dr. Morris generally follow the American Dental Association's guidelines for taking radiographs. For a child with a low risk of cavities this means radiographs generally every year to year and a half with a developmental radiograph series taken in the middle childhood years. If your child demonstrates a very low cavities history into the teenage years, the frequency interval of radiographs is increased to every two years. Please bear in mind that the need for radiographs is determined on an individual basis.

We make every effort to minimize radiation exposure for your child. This means that lead shielding, high speed films and qualified staff (to minimize retakes) will be employed.

Dental Trauma

If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, rinse any debris off the tooth and try to place the tooth back in the socket. Avoid touching the root of the tooth. If it is not possible to reinsert the tooth, place it in a glass of milk and get to the dentist as soon as possible. TIME IS CRITICAL!

If your child knocks out a baby tooth do not try to reinsert the tooth. Bring your child and the tooth to the dentist.