Faq's

What is Pediatric Dentistry?
A pediatric dentist is a specialist dedicated to the oral health of infants, children, adolescents and patients with special health care needs. Pediatric dentists complete two or three years of additional specialized training, which includes study in child psychology, growth, and development. They are also trained and qualified to care for patients with medical, physical, or mental disabilities. The Coastal Pediatric Dentistry office is specifically designed for treating children from infancy through adolescence, as well as the medically and physically compromised. 

What age should my child first visit the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child's first visit to the dentist should occur by 12 months of age. This visit will enable Dr. Hubbard to evaluate your child and introduce you to proper oral hygiene. Diet, fluoride, finger and pacifier habits and tooth eruption will be discussed to insure optimal dental health.

How often should my child visit the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental check-up at least twice a year for most children.  Some children need more frequent dental visits because of increased risk of tooth decay, poor oral hygiene, or unusual growth patterns.  Dr. Hubbard will let you know the best appointment schedule for your child.

What happens during a routine dental checkup?
During a dental visit, the dental hygienist or assistant will review your child’s medical history with you. This is to ensure that Dr. Hubbard and our staff are updated on the general health of your child so that we may review any factors that may affect your child’s dental health.  Your child’s mouth will be examined for overall oral health and his/her teeth will be cleaned to remove plaque, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. After the cleaning, fluoride will be applied to the teeth to help protect and strengthen the weak areas against decay.

Why does my child need x-rays?
The AAPD recommends x-ray examination every six months for children with a high risk of cavities. Often x-rays can show weaknesses in the tooth structure that may not be visible with the naked eye. Children need x-rays more often than adults to stay current with the developments in their teeth, since children grow and develop at a much more rapid rate.

What does fluoride do?
Cavities form when there is weakening in the mineral composition of the enamel of the tooth. Fluoride promotes the remineralization of these weak spots, therefore helping to prevent cavities.

How important in a child’s diet in the prevention of cavities?
Although a well-balanced diet is important in preventing cavities and to ensure good general health, cavities are not only the result of what children eat but also the frequency of meals. Frequent snacking without brushing leaves food on the teeth longer and increases the likelihood of a cavity developing. Additionally, frequent "sipping" on sugar-drinks (including juice) in a baby bottle or "sippy" cup can cause widespread dental cavities.

Why are baby teeth so important?
It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth. Baby-teeth are important for  proper chewing and eating, providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive smile.

What is Nitrous Oxide? Is it safe for children?
Nitrous oxide or “Laughing Gas” is a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide.  When inhaled, it has a calming effect on the patient and allows the patient to enjoy a more relaxed state which allows him/her to respond more favorably to dental treatment. It can be used on a mildly anxious child who is cooperative.

What are sealants and how long do they last?
Sealants protect the surfaces of teeth with grooves and pits, especially the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities are found. They are made of a tooth colored plastic. Sealants are applied to the teeth to help keep them cavity-free. On average, sealants last for three years with proper maintenance. At every dental check-up, Dr. Hubbard will check the sealants, and make sure they are intact.

What are space maintainers?
Space maintainers hold open the empty space left by a lost tooth. They prevent the teeth on either side of the missing tooth from drifting into the space.  If the space is not maintained, then the permanent tooth could be blocked from coming into the arch.