FAQs | Pediatric Dentist in La Vista, NE

1. What is a pediatric dentist?

Just as pediatricians are uniquely trained to meet a child’s general medical needs, a pediatric dentist is trained and qualified to protect a child’s oral health, using the most advanced techniques and technologies. Pediatric dentists are required to complete a two or three-year post doctorate residency that prepares them with the knowledge and experience to treat children and their distinctive needs.

2. At what age should my child first see the dentist?

Many parents wish to know when they should schedule their child’s first appointment with the dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first dental visit occur by the time the first tooth comes in and no later than their first birthday.

At Weeder Pediatric Dentistry, we believe in maximizing dental health by using preventive measures. Cavities can lead to oral pain, infection, and swelling. When your child is experiencing pain, they will have a hard time concentrating, they may develop behavioral problems, and will struggle to eat a normal, balanced diet. Routine preventive visits every six months to the dentist, however, will minimize cavities, infection, and other dental maladies.

3. What will happen during my child’s first dental visit?

During your child’s first appointment at our office, Dr. Greg Weeder and our team will spend some time getting to know you and your child better. We will help your child feel comfortable and relaxed by explaining the treatments and demonstrating the equipment in a fun and imaginative way. Treatment for your child will most likely include an in-depth dental exam, x-rays if necessary, a teeth cleaning, and fluoride treatment. We will also visit about flossing and brushing techniques, healthy foods, habits, and answer your questions.

We will review your child’s medical history with you. If your child requires additional dental care beyond a routine exam and cleaning, we will discuss treatment with you. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to visit with us until you are comfortable. We look forward to meeting your child!

4. What if my child experiences anxiety or is uncooperative?

At Weeder Pediatric Dentistry, we work hard to help each and every child feel comfortable and relaxed during their appointment. Dental care for each child is individualized depending on the child’s unique needs. While most children feel calm and confident during their treatment, some may need more than just a gentle and caring manner to feel comfortable. We are pleased to offer several options for such patients.

We feature a variety of sedation options, including nitrous oxide (or “laughing gas”) to help your child feel calm and relaxed. Nitrous oxide has been used for decades for dental procedures; it is safe and can be very helpful for patients who have a sensitive gag reflex or high level of anxiety. For children who cannot cooperate because of excessive anxiety, age, or special needs, we offer outpatient hospital services. This technique can be especially helpful for children who are very young, have special needs, or who do not understand how to cope in a cooperative fashion for the delivery of dental care.

5. Should I eliminate sugar and starches from my child’s diet?

No. Carbohydrates form a critically important part of your child’s diet. Complex carbohydrates, specifically, are a fundamental part of a well-balanced diet. When sugar is allowed to stick to teeth, however, this can promote dental decay and infection. We recommend eating carbohydrates at mealtime with other foods. Avoid candies that are sticky and leave sugary residue on the teeth. Brushing and flossing can help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

6. What is baby bottle decay?

Baby bottle decay, or “baby bottle syndrome,” is caused by repetitive exposure of an infant’s teeth to sugary liquids such as juice, milk, breast milk, and other sweet drinks. After feeding a baby, a parent should wipe the infant’s gums gently with a damp cloth or give the baby water to drink to remove debris and residue. Do not put a baby to bed or for nap with a liquid other than water. If the baby sleeps after drinking sweet liquids, this can lead to tooth decay. Liquids pool around the child’s teeth, promoting plaque and bacteria growth.

7. How can I help my infant avoid tooth decay?

Do not nurse your children to sleep. Also avoid putting them to bed with milk, juice, or formula in their bottle. Any liquid that the child drank immediately before falling asleep can linger in the mouth, and the sugars in these drinks can promote dental decay. Fill the bottle with water or use a pacifier instead.

8. Is my child getting the right amount of fluoride?

Fluoride is essential for developing a strong, healthy smile. If you live in a community that has fluoridated water or has the right amount of natural fluoride in your well water, then your child will most likely not need additional fluoride supplementation. If this is not the case, however, we can help you determine how much supplementation your child requires based upon their age, weight and brand of toothpaste.

9. Is it OK that my child sucks his/her thumb?

Infants and young children suck on fingers, thumbs, and pacifiers because it is a natural reflex for them. Thumb and finger sucking is a way young children explore the world around them and it can give them a sense of security and wellbeing. If thumb sucking persists past the age four, however, it can cause development problems within the mouth and can cause tooth misalignment. Children should stop sucking their fingers or thumb between the age of two and four and they should stop sucking pacifiers by approximately 18 months of age.

If your child needs to stop sucking on the thumb or fingers, here are some useful ideas to consider:

Praise your child when they do not suck their thumb
Children often suck their thumb when they feel insecure. Focus on resolving the cause of their anxiety.
Find a way to reward children when do not suck their thumbs. A reward calendar can be useful. The child can put a sticker on each day that they did not suck their thumb.
During your child’s next visit to our office, Dr. Greg Weeder can encourage children not to suck on their thumb and visit with them about what can happen if they continue.
You may try placing a sock over your child’s hand at night.
If these methods fail, our dentist may recommend the use of a mouth appliance as a last resort.

10. Which toothpaste should my child use?

Before the child is two years old, it is best to use a toothpaste free of fluoride. Children younger than two often swallow their toothpaste, and the ingestion of too much fluoride can cause fluorosis. After they are two, children should use a toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association and contains fluoride. Help your child add about a pea-sized amount of their toothbrush and then thoroughly brush.

11. Does teeth grinding harm my child’s teeth?

You may hear your child grinding their teeth at night, or you may notice some of their teeth wearing down and getting shorter. Your child may grind their teeth when they feel stressed or anxious, or they may grind their teeth when they experience changes in air pressure, such as when they ride on an airplane. Children sometimes grind their teeth to develop an even bite or to relieve pain as teeth begin to erupt. Most children, however, will outgrow their teeth grinding and treatment is not usually necessary. If the problem persists or if it causes problems, please visit with Dr. Greg Weeder about it during your next appointment at Weeder Pediatric Dentistry.