Frequently Asked Pediatric Dental Questions
Looking for a trusted pediatric dentist in York? At Children’s Dental Centre of York, we’re here to help make your decision easier. Below are answers to common questions parents ask about our specialized pediatric dental care, experienced team, and child-friendly approach.
Discover why families have trusted their children’s smiles to our care for over 30 years. Schedule a visit to meet our pediatric dental team. Call (717) 741-0848 to schedule an appointment today. We look forward to hearing from you.
WHAT IS A PEDIATRIC DENTIST?
Pediatric dentists like Dr. Lutz and Dr. Slevin are the pediatricians of the dental world! After completing four years of dental school, a pediatric dentist attends two years of extra training in an accredited pediatric dental residency program. During their residency, they’re trained to treat the specific dental needs of kids. They study growth and development, interceptive orthodontics, child psychology, traditional and advanced behavior management, oral conscious sedation, hospital operating room procedures, and the treatment of special needs and medically compromised children.
WHAT IS A BOARD-CERTIFIED PEDIATRIC DENTIST?
Dr. Lutz and Dr. Slevin are board-certified pediatric dentists in York. What does that mean? Well, a board-certified pediatric dentist is a pediatric dentist who passed the board eligibility exam and the oral board exam. Passing both of these exams means that a pediatric dentist has demonstrated the didactic and clinical expertise to be board certified. That’s a fancy way of saying they were able to prove they could offer exceptional care. Once certified, they’re given the title of Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Only 64% of pediatric dentists earn this distinction!
WHEN SHOULD I TAKE MY CHILD TO TO A PEDIATRIC DENTIST?
The American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that every child see a pediatric dentist by age one. This is because your child is susceptible to cavities from the time their first tooth appears, which is usually between the ages of six and 12 months. Your pediatric dentist in York can help determine your child’s tooth decay risk and teach you how to help prevent cavities, one of the most common infectious diseases of childhood.
WHEN SHOULD I START BRUSHING MY CHILDS TEETH?
You should start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as that first tooth makes its debut. You can brush with a clean, damp cloth or a children’s toothbrush. When you come in for a visit, we can give you specific recommendations for your little one.
WHEN SHOULD I START FLOSSING MY CHILDS TEETHS?
You should start flossing your child’s teeth once any two teeth are touching. If there are big spaces between your child’s teeth, then you don’t need to floss just yet and brushing alone will clean them. At your visit, we can give you pointers and personalized recommendations.
HOW CAN I PREVENT MY CHILD FROM GETTING CAVATIES
There are a number of reasons a child may get a cavity. However, there are things you can do to reduce their risk:
- Brush your child’s teeth twice daily.
- Floss your child’s teeth if they are touching or close together.
- Ensure they eat a low-sugar diet.
- Never put your child to sleep with a bottle or sippy cup that contains milk or juice.
- Avoid sharing utensils or straws with your child.
Our pediatric dentist in York can chat with you and offer personalized advice about how to further prevent cavities and keep your child’s pearly whites, well pearly and white!
What Should I Do If My Child Injures Their Teeth?
If you think your child has injured their teeth, contact our office as soon as possible. Time is a critical factor when dealing with dental trauma. The sooner you see your pediatric dentist in York, the better the chances of saving your child’s teeth. If your child has a severe injury and loses a tooth, place the tooth in a cup of cold milk or Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution (Save-a-Tooth) and immediately seek dental treatment. We’ll be able to determine if your child’s tooth can be implanted and saved.
When Should My Child Get Braces or See an Orthodontist?
Pediatric dentists like Dr. Lutz and Dr. Slevin are specifically trained in their residency to evaluate your little one and refer them to an orthodontist at the appropriate time. By kicking off orthodontic treatment at the ideal time, your kiddo will get the best possible results.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Children?
Yes, dental x-rays are safe and are only ordered when appropriate. X-rays are so important because they’re the only way Dr. Lutz and Dr. Slevin can diagnose and treat your child’s dental needs. At Children’s Dental Centre of York, we use strict safeguards and high-tech digital x-rays that reduce your child’s exposure by up to 80 percent in comparison to traditional dental x-rays. Additionally, because the images are so clear and accurate, we eliminate the need for retakes, further reducing your child’s exposure. If you’re concerned, we’ll be more than happy to weigh the risks versus the benefits of dental x-rays with you at your visit.
Trust Your Child's Smile to York's Premier Pediatric Dental Team
Schedule your child’s dental appointment today – where expert care meets gentle treatment for healthy, growing smiles.
Call (717) 741-0848
