Gentle Pediatric Dentistry Services in Burlington, Kansas

Make Your Children Comfortable in the Dental Chair

We offer family pediatric dental care, that's done with care and ease. We say, “first tooth, first visit.” It helps the child get comfortable coming to the dental office and sitting in the dental chair. Establishing a “dental home” early in a child’s life make the visits every six months easier on parents and appointments. Burlington Dental Center is welcoming all new patients of any age including the pediatric age. Read some of our family dental reviews here.

Maintain Your Child's Good Oral Health - Family Dental Done Right!

Here is some information on different ages in a child’s life and how to prevent cavities and maintain a healthy oral cavity:
Early Childhood Dental Decay

• One serious form of decay among young children is baby bottle tooth decay. This condition is caused by frequent and long exposures of an infant's teeth to liquids that contain sugar. Among these liquids are milk (including breast milk), formula, fruit juice and other sweetened drinks. Putting a baby to bed for a nap or at night with a bottle other than water can cause serious and rapid tooth decay. Sweet liquid pools around the child's teeth giving plaque bacteria an opportunity to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. If you must give the baby a bottle as a comforter at bedtime, it should contain only water. If your child won't fall asleep without the bottle and its usual beverage, gradually dilute the bottle's contents with water over a period of two to three weeks. After each feeding, wipe the baby's gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque. The easiest way to do this is to sit down, place the child's head in your lap or lay the child on a dressing table or the floor. Whatever position you use, be sure you can see into the child's mouth easily.

Infant Dental Care

• As your child begins to get teeth, you may use an appropriate sized toothbrush. You may use fluoride free toothpaste or water alone. Children at the age of three may begin to attempt to brush with fluoride free toothpaste to practice spitting. You may switch over to fluoridated toothpaste once you are confident your child is not swallowing the toothpaste. Parents must always be in control of the amount of toothpaste being used.

• As children approach the age of two, many parents experience difficulty in brushing their child’s teeth. Children begin reaching cognitive milestones, and want to become more independent. You may allow your child to brush their teeth, but a parent must always finish for them. If your child cries or fusses while doing this, it is normal as many children this age only want to do things for themselves. You may find laying the child on the floor easier for access and viewing the mouth of a young uncooperative child. Be consistent and build a routine and eventually your child will be more cooperative. It is recommended parents always finish brushing until the child reaches age 6 or 7. Many children still may require indirect supervision even into adolescence.

Adolescence Dental Care

• Establish good oral health habits early. When your child is 12 months old, you can begin using a training or non-fluoridated toothpaste when brushing his or her teeth. At age 2, you can introduce fluoridated toothpaste, but only use a grain of rice-sized portion on the brush and press it into the bristles so your child won’t eat it. And, when the gaps between your child’s teeth close, it’s important to start flossing.

• If your child currently has poor oral health habits, work with your child to change these now. It’s much easier to modify these habits in a child than in an adult. Since your child models behavior after you, it follows that you should serve as a positive role model in your oral hygiene habits. A healthy smile, good breath and strong teeth all contribute to a young person’s sense of personal appearance, as well as confidence and self-esteem.

Pregnancy and Oral Health

• The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that all pregnant women receive oral healthcare and counseling during pregnancy. Research has shown evidence that periodontal disease can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Talk to your doctor or dentist about ways you can prevent periodontal disease during pregnancy.

• Additionally, mothers with poor oral health may be at a greater risk of passing the bacteria which causes cavities to their young children. Mother's should follow these simple steps to decrease the risk of spreading cavity-causing bacteria:

  • Visit your family dentist regularly.

  • Brush and floss on a daily basis to reduce bacterial plaque.

  • Proper diet, with beverages and foods without high sugar & starch.

  • Use a fluoridated toothpaste recommended by the ADA and rinse every night with an alcohol-free, over-the-counter mouth rinse to reduce plaque levels.

  • Don't share utensils, cups or food which can cause the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria to your children.