Patient Resources

Unfortunately, thumb-sucking can lead to development issues and malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth. This often results in the need for orthodontics in later years to correct the child’s bite. If your little one self-soothes, consult with Dr. Ellen to see what you can do to help a child that habitually turns to thumb-sucking.

Your baby is ready for his or her first visit to the dentist when their first tooth arrives, or by the first birthday–whichever happens first. It might seem soon, but this is an important stage in the development of your baby’s smile. Dr. Ellen will look for signs that the primary teeth (which develop at around six months) and jaw look healthy. We’ll also inspect for signs of tooth decay and go over some basic infant oral hygiene.

Don’t worry. It’s normal for kids to feel a little nervous. As a mom herself, Dr. Ellen knows how to help children feel at ease. She’ll get down on their level, answer their questions and talk them through every step of their appointment. Our office also offers comforts like blankets, TVs, iPads and books to keep kids occupied while they wait. We find that after a few regular checkups, our patients enjoy returning to our office. Who wouldn’t want to be part of the Cavity Free Club?

We recommend taking dental X-rays around the age of two or three, depending on the child. To familiarize your child with the process, the first set consists of simple pictures of the front upper and lower teeth, which. Once the baby teeth in the back are touching one another, then regular X-rays are recommended. Permanent teeth start coming in around age six, and X-rays help us make sure your child’s teeth and jaw are healthy and properly aligned. If your child is at a high risk of dental problems, we may suggest having X-rays taken at an earlier age.

If your little one plays baseball, soccer, or other sports, ask us about having a custom-fitted mouthguard made to protect his or her teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums. Even children’s sports involve contact, and we recommend mouthguards for children active in sports.

We recommend sealants as a safe, simple way to help your child avoid cavities, especially for molars, which are hardest to reach. Sealants cover the pits and fissures in teeth that are difficult to brush and therefore susceptible to decay.

Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. Parents should use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Once children are 3 to 6 years old, then the amount should be increased to a pea-size dollop and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.