Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I Take My Child to a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist has two years of specialty training, following four years of dental school, and limits the practice of dentistry to treating only children. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with high anxiety and special health needs.
At Brushin’ on Belmont we pride ourselves in providing individualized, compassionate care for each patient. Pleasant visits to the dental office promote the establishment of trust and confidence in your child that will last a lifetime. Our goal, along with our staff, is to help all children feel good about visiting the dentist and teach them how to care for their teeth. From our special office design, to our communication style, our main concern is what is best for your child.When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?
In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see Dr. Govoni when the first tooth appears or no later than his/her first birthday.
Why are Baby Teeth important?
Primary or baby teeth are important for many reasons. Baby teeth help children speak clearly and chew naturally. Most children will have their baby molars until they are 12-14 years of age! From an orthodontic aspect, baby teeth help “guide” permanent teeth into the proper position. They also form a path that the permanent teeth can follow when they erupt.
As with permanent teeth, baby teeth can become decayed or infected, usually, this happens more rapidly. Infections are painful and can lead to facial swellings, which may effect the development of the permanent teeth and put your child’s health at risk.How do Dental Sealants work?
Baby teeth and permanent teeth have deep pits and grooves on the chewing surface of the tooth. These areas are difficult to keep clean, even with good brushing habits. Dental sealants work by filling in or “sealing” the deep pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Sealants prevent plaque and bacteria from accumulating in those deep grooves and pits, thus reducing your child’s risk of developing dental decay. Sealants are tooth colored plastic material. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for years to come.
Are Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Habits harmful for my child’s teeth?
Oral sucking habits are normal for babies and young children. Most children stop sucking on thumbs, fingers, and pacifiers on their own between two and four years of age. Usually, no harm is done to their teeth or jaws. In children who continue to suck on thumbs, fingers, and pacifiers changes may noted in tooth position and supporting bone structure.
At Brushin’ on Belmont, we recommend that children stop oral habits well before the eruption of their first permanent tooth, usually by the age of five. In children who continue with sucking habits, we recommend the use of positive reinforcement for motivation. As a pediatric dentist, Dr. Govoni can offer helpful advice to parents, as well as recommend more aggressive treatment including the use of mouth appliances and retainers.
What are Nerve Treatments?
In teeth with extensive decay, bacteria from the cavity often infect the nerve of the tooth. This can lead to pain and swelling. In baby teeth that are infected, a procedure called a pulpotomy may be recommended. A pulpotomy is the removal of the unhealthy or “infected” portion of the nerve of the tooth. The healthy portion of the nerve remains, medicine is placed in the tooth, and it is then covered by silver or white crown. This allows for the baby tooth to remain in the mouth, thus aiding chewing and maintaining proper spacing for the permanent teeth.
What is a Spacer?
Spacers or space maintainers are appliances that are placed when children prematurely lose a baby tooth or are missing a permanent tooth. Spacers prevent the unwanted movement or “drift” of both baby and permanent teeth. They maintain the ideal space for the developing permanent tooth, thus limiting future orthodontic problems.
Another type of spacer called a “lower lingual holder arch” or LLHA may be indicated in children with crowed lower teeth. A LLHA can help prevent further crowding and is an important aspect in early orthodontic intervention.
What if My Child has Special Needs?
At Brushin’ on Belmont we welcome children with special needs. Special needs children may be at a higher risk for dental decay due to special diets, special medications, or difficulty in maintaining good oral hygiene. Dr. Govoni has extensive training and experience in treating patients, of all ages, with special needs. Each patient will receive the extra time they need to ensure all aspects of oral health are evaluated.
What if My Child has a Dental Emergency?
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If your child is in pain or has an emergency please contact our office at (773) 281-9800. We always have time in our schedule for any emergency. An after hours pager number will be provided on our recording.
What if my child knocks out a baby tooth?
Contact Dr. Govoni as soon as possible. DO NOT PUT THE TOOTH BACK IN YOUR CHILD’S MOUTH. This may damage the developing permanent tooth.
What if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?
Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not scrub it or clean it with soap -- use just water!) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can't put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, NOT water. Get to the pediatric dental office immediately, the best results are when treatment is within an hour. (Call the emergency number if it's after hours.) The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.
What if my child chips or fractures a tooth?
Contact Dr. Govoni as soon as possible. If your child's tooth is fractured, rinse their mouth with warm water and place a cold compress on their face over the broken tooth to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it to the office.
What if my child has an abscess or swollen gums?
If the swelling is small and well defined or a bump on the gums is visible, call the office for antibiotics. Please inform us if your child has any new drug allergies.