232 Park Street, W. Springfield, MA 01089 | (413) 737-2200 | Fax: (413) 746-8581
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8am until 5pm
Imagine a dental office where kids' smiles weren't after the visit, but during it.
Pediatric experts recommend that children have regular cleanings, starting at a child's second birthday. Specially trained pediatric dentists like Dr. Matthews make a child's oral health more understandable for the parents. And far less scary for the child. When parents have oral health questions — whether about snuggly babies or snickering pre-teens — we can provide answers, clearly, simply, honestly. It may even make the patient smile.
Do baby teeth need to be fixed?
Primary or baby teeth are very important and should be kept decay-free for many reasons. If a child has a cavity that is not treated, the decay can progress so that the tooth may need to be taken out or "pulled" before it falls out naturally. This may affect chewing capabilities and could also hinder speech development. Baby teeth also hold space for permanent teeth to erupt. If lost prematurely, shifting of teeth may occur which can cause orthodontic problems. Although pain may or may not be present, tooth decay is a disease that needs to be treated. A pediatric dentist is best equipped to address the individual dental needs of your child.
Does a child really need dental x-rays?
Yes. As a child grows, the normal spaces between the teeth close. Once the spaces close, it is no longer possible to examine the interproximal areas. It is not unusual for cavities to arise between the teeth, especially if a child is not flossing. X-rays also show abnormalities such as missing permanent teeth, extra teeth or degenerative changes due to trauma. Remember, early detection of problems is very important for future prognoses.
My 2 year old will be going for his first dental visit. How should we prepare?
Before a child's first visit try to explain things that will take place using simple terms. Tell the child about the special chair ride, how the dentist will count their teeth, and take pictures. Describe the type of clothes the dentist wears, including a mask and gloves. Describe teeth cleaning as tickling the teeth. Never use frightening terms such as needles and pain. Often times it is best left up to your pediatric dental team to walk your child through the visit.
My family lives in a town that does not have fluoride in the water. We have well water. Should my child take fluoride supplements?
Fluoride has been proven to significantly reduce dental decay. Because fluoride occurs naturally in ground water, you should first have your water tested to determine the fluoride content. Once this is determined your dentist should be informed of the results so that he/she may prescribe the appropriate amount of fluoride. The dosage of fluoride is determined by the age of the child and the level of fluoride in your water.
Should I worry about thumb or finger sucking?
Thumb or finger sucking is normal for infants. Most children stop sucking their thumbs by age 2. If your child continues this behavior, it should be discouraged no later than the age of 4. It is important that this habit is deterred in a timely fashion before its effects become apparent.
There are many techniques to help you and your child overcome this habit. It may be necessary for your pediatric dentist to intervene by making what is called a habit-breaking appliance. See your pediatric dentist for advice.
Is a "sippy" cup bad for my child's teeth?
As your baby makes the transition from the bottle to a cup, you may be using the "sippy" cup. You should be aware of the following:
- Sippy cups do not teach your child to "sip" from a glass. The child sucks the liquid out from the cup.
- Limit the use of the cup to meal times. Do not let your child sip frequently throughout the day, and do not put your child to sleep with the cup. I would advise not putting sugary liquids in this cup. This leads to prolonged exposure of the teeth to sugar.
- Do not let your child carry the cup around. Falling while walking with the cup in the mouth can injure your child's teeth.
My son's front baby tooth is turning dark. What should I do?
The grey or dark color of your child's tooth is usually an indication that your child fell or bumped his/her tooth at some point. A change in tooth color indicates a pathological change has occurred due to trauma. Color change in itself is not a bad sign; however, if tooth mobility, pain, swelling, or pus discharge is present, then treatment is needed. It is also possible that the trauma may be transferred to the developing adult tooth. In any case, you should visit your pediatric dentist to determine the appropriate treatment.
What are dental sealants?
Sealants are a liquid plastic material placed on molars and premolars to seal the pits and grooves. Once painted onto the teeth, a special light is used to harden the plastic material. The sealants protect the teeth from bacteria that cause tooth decay. Application of sealants is quick, comfortable and affordable. It is considered a preventative treatment, so it is covered by most insurance companies. Sealants are long-lasting and can protect your child's teeth through the cavity-prone years. Ask your pediatric dentist about dental sealants.
My child does not eat a lot of candy. Why is he getting so many cavities?
Your child requires a balanced diet that includes all the major food groups. Candy is not the only cavity-causing substance. To reduce the risk of tooth decay, you should greatly limit the consumption of foods and drinks high in sugar and starches. Some examples include: crackers, pretzels, potato chips, soda, juice, etc. Every time one of these foods is consumed, bacteria in the mouth produces acid. This acid weakens the teeth over time and contributes to tooth decay. A food with starch is safer for teeth if it is eaten with a meal and not as a snack. Sticky foods such as pastry, dried fruit, etc. can't be easily washed away from the teeth by saliva or water. Therefore, they have more cavity-causing potential. Limit the number of snack times, and choose nutritious snacks like fresh fruits, vegetables, yogurt, cheese, nuts, etc. Your pediatric dentist can help assess your child's diet and its effect on his or her teeth.
Why are my child's adult teeth yellow?
This question often arises when a child is at a stage when both baby teeth and adult teeth are present in the mouth, also known as the mixed dentition stage.
Generally the baby teeth are much whiter than the permanent teeth, so when viewed side by side the adult tooth appears yellow. Once the baby teeth are no longer present, the adult teeth usually appear whiter. If you believe your child's teeth are truly discolored, consult your pediatric dentist.
If a child's baby tooth is knocked out due to an accident, what should I do?
First of all don't panic. Bleeding and swelling is normal. Unlike an adult tooth, do not attempt to replace the tooth back in your child's mouth. Keep the tooth for the dentist to inspect. It is possible that the root of the tooth has broken off and is still present in the tooth socket. Make an appointment with your child's dentist so that an x-ray can be taken and this may be determined. The chances are that all is fine.
What should I do if a permanent tooth is knocked out?
When a permanent tooth is knocked out, the sooner it is put back in place the better the prognosis. The two basic options are as follows:
Either place the tooth back in the socket immediately and contact a dentist for splinting the tooth in place.
Or, if you are not comfortable with repositioning the tooth, the tooth should be stored in an appropriate solution and a dentist should be contacted immediately. The tooth must be kept moist. Research has shown that milk is an ideal solution for the tooth to be placed in. Once the tooth is given to the dentist, it can be replanted and then splinted in place. The long term prognosis will greatly depend on how soon the tooth was replanted. In any case, you should visit your pediatric dentist to determine the appropriate treatment.
