Question 1

DENTAL EMERGENCIES IN CHILDREN

Accepted Answer

TOOTHACHES
Tooth pain can occur due to various reasons, such as cavities, infections, or food stuck between teeth. If your child complains of a toothache:

• Rinse the mouth with warm water.
 • Use dental floss to gently remove any stuck food.
 • For pain relief, you can apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek and give age-appropriate over-the-counter pain medication (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen), but avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums. If the pain persists, contact your pediatric dentist.
 
AVULSED (KNOCKED-OUT) TOOTH
Primary (Baby) Teeth: Do not try to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth, as it could harm the permanent tooth developing underneath. Instead, contact your dentist to assess the situation.

Permanent Teeth: If a permanent tooth is knocked out, act quickly:

• Find the tooth, handling it by the crown (top) and not the root.
 • Try to reinsert the tooth in the socket, or keep it in a container of milk or the child’s saliva.
 • Contact our emergency line immediately
 • Get to the dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

FRACTURED/CHIPPED TOOTH
Primary (Baby) Teeth: If your child chips or fractures a baby tooth, contact your dentist. Minor chips can be smoothed, while larger fractures may need treatment to prevent further damage.

Permanent Teeth: For chipped or fractured permanent teeth:

• Rinse the mouth with warm water.
 • If possible, save the broken pieces and bring them to the dentist.
 • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Your dentist can assess the severity and recommend the best treatment, such as bonding, crowns, or other restorations.

Question 2

TOOTH ERUPTION

Accepted Answer

Teeth typically begin to emerge around 6 months of age and continue through early childhood. By age 3, most children have their full set of baby teeth. Permanent teeth usually start coming in around age 6. If you notice any delays or issues with your child’s tooth eruption, your pediatric dentist can help assess the situation.

Question 3

CAVITY PREVENTION

Accepted Answer

Cavities are caused by bacteria that create acids that weaken tooth enamel. To prevent them:
 • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
 • Floss daily to remove food between teeth.
 • Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
 • Visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and fluoride treatments.

Question 4

THUMB SUCKING

Accepted Answer

Thumb sucking is normal for infants and young children, but if it continues beyond age 2, it may affect the development of their teeth and bite. Pediatric dentists can offer advice and solutions, such as behavioral techniques or devices, to help stop this habit.

Question 5

TEETH GRINDING (BRUXISM)

Accepted Answer

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is common in young children, especially at night. It usually goes away on its own, but if it's severe, a pediatric dentist may recommend a custom night guard to protect your child’s teeth.

Question 6

MOUTH GUARDS

Accepted Answer

If your child plays sports, a custom-fitted mouth guard from the dentist is the best way to protect their teeth from injury. Mouth guards cushion the teeth, gums, and jaw, reducing the risk of fractures or knocked-out teeth.

Question 7

TOOTHPASTE OPTIONS

Accepted Answer

For children under 3, use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). For kids 3 and older, use a pea-sized amount. Make sure to choose toothpaste with the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval.

Question 8

TONGUE AND LIP TIES

Accepted Answer

Tongue or lip ties happen when tissue restricts movement, affecting feeding and speech. If you suspect your child has a tongue or lip tie, your pediatric dentist can evaluate it and discuss whether a simple procedure to release the tie is necessary.

Question 9

COMPOSITE FILLINGS

Accepted Answer

Composite fillings are tooth-colored restorations used to treat cavities. They blend with the natural tooth and are a popular choice for repairing decayed or damaged teeth.

Question 10

ZIRCONIA AND STAINLESS STEEL CROWNS

Accepted Answer

Zirconia Crowns: Tooth-colored, strong, and natural-looking, often used on front teeth, but also available for back teeth.

Stainless Steel Crowns: Durable and typically used for back teeth. They’re often placed on baby teeth that need extra protection due to decay or damage.

Question 11

PULPOTOMIES AND NERVE TREATMENTS

Accepted Answer

A pulpotomy, also known as a "baby root canal," is a procedure to save a baby tooth with extensive decay that has reached the nerve. The dentist removes the infected portion of the nerve and fills the space to preserve the tooth until it naturally falls out.

Question 12

MTA (MINERAL TRIOXIDE AGGREGATE)

Accepted Answer

MTA is a material used in nerve treatments, especially in pulpotomies. It promotes healing and helps save the tooth by sealing the nerve.

Question 13

EXTRACTIONS

Accepted Answer

Sometimes a tooth needs to be removed due to severe decay, trauma, or overcrowding. Pediatric dentists use gentle techniques to make extractions as comfortable as possible for your child.

Question 14

SILVER DIAMINE FLUORIDE (SDF)

Accepted Answer

SDF is a liquid applied to cavities to stop decay in its tracks. It’s a great option for very young children or kids with special needs when traditional fillings aren't an option. It can stain the treated area black, but it’s effective in preventing further decay.

Question 15

SPACE MAINTAINERS

Accepted Answer

When a baby tooth is lost early, space maintainers keep the gap open to ensure the adult tooth grows in properly. There are two types:
 • Unilateral: Used when only one side of the mouth needs space maintained.
 • Bilateral: Used for both sides, often when several baby teeth are missing.

PEDIATRIC DENTAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS IN AMARILLO, TX

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