Children's Dentistry

Searching for a children's dentist in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania?  Whether it’s your child’s first dental visit or your teenager’s last, Stroudsburg Family Dental provides individualized care, education and an affordable personalized treatment plan for our younger patients. We are committed to making your child’s first dental appointment a positive one – no matter how old they are!  Stroudsburg Family Dental's goal is to help our pediatric patients develop confidence in treatment, and to instill in them healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Q: MY CHILD'S FIRST DENTAL APPOINTMENT SHOULD BE AT WHAT AGE?

Baby teeth are important!  In order to prevent pediatric dental problems, schedule your child's first appointment with Stroudsburg Family Dental when their first tooth appears or no later than his/her first birthday, whichever occurs first.  Flossing can begin after the formation of most of your child’s primary (or baby) teeth.  At 8-9, children can begin to brush their own teeth - Dr. Iglio can teach your child how to brush properly the first time.  By age 11 - 12, children can be expected to floss on their own.  A parent should supervise these processes in the beginning to make sure the child is doing it properly. 

Q: HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY CHILD SEE THE DENTIST?

In general, a dental check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other primary teeth problems.  Dr. Iglio will tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health and dental exam results.

Q: MY CHILD IS NERVOUS ABOUT THE DENTIST - HOW CAN I MAKE THEM MORE COMFORTABLE ABOUT THEIR APPOINTMENT?

Children have the tendency to pick up on their parents' fears or anxieties - so if a trip to the dentist makes you nervous, do not pass your anxiety on to your child!  Help make their first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child should be informed of the visit and that Dr. Iglio and staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt. Make a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.

Q: WHAT SHOULD I USE TO CLEAN BABY TEETH?

Before you know it, your baby will become a toddler and you'll find yourself wondering how to clean their baby teeth!  A soft bristled toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay in children under 3.  Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants.  How often should you brush baby teeth?  At least once a day at bedtime.  Wondering 'Should I use toothpaste for my baby'?  The answer is yes.  For children younger than 3 years, caregivers should begin brushing children’s teeth as soon as they begin to come into the mouth by using fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than a smear or the size of a grain of rice. Brush teeth thoroughly twice per day (morning and night). Supervise children’s brushing to ensure that they use the appropriate amount of toothpaste.  For children 3 to 6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Brush teeth thoroughly twice per day (morning and night). Supervise children’s brushing and remind them not to swallow the toothpaste.

Q: IS BABY TEETH CARE IMPORTANT TO MY CHILD?

It is very important to maintain the health of baby teeth, even though they will ultimately come out. Not taking care of the baby teeth can negatively affect the development of permanent teeth. Baby teeth are important for (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and (3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Baby teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. While the front 4 teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth aren’t replaced until age 10-13.

Q: HOW CAN I PREVENT NURSING TOOTH DECAY?

Tooth decay in nursing toddlers can occur!  Stroudsburg Family Dental recommends following these steps to help prevent nursing tooth decay.  Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle. Learn the proper way to brush and floss your child’s teeth.  Schedule regular pediatric dental appointments with Dr. Iglio to have your child's teeth and gums examined.  Your child's first dental appointment should be scheduled when their primary teeth appear or after their first birthday - whichever occurs first. 

Q: ARE THUMB SUCKING AND PACIFIER HABITS HARMFUL FOR A CHILD’S TEETH?

Is a pacifier bad?  Have a thumb sucking baby?  Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers when permanent teeth arrive, a mouth appliance may be recommended by Dr. Iglio.

Q: WONDERING WHEN TO START USING TOOTHPASTE FOR BABIES?  AND HOW MUCH TOOTHPASTE TO USE?

Using toothpaste with fluoride on children's teeth should begin when they turn 3.  Do not use fluoride toothpaste before age 3 - prior to that, clean your child’s teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush.  When brushing with fluoride toothpaste begins at the age of 3, supervise brushing and make no more than a pea-sized amount is used. Children should spit out and never swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.

Q: FOR BABIES AND CHILDREN, WHAT IS THE BEST DIET FOR DENTAL HEALTH?

There is no magic 'best teeth' diet - rather, a balanced diet is key.  Including one serving each of: fruits / vegetables, breads / cereals, milk / dairy products, and meat fish / eggs is key.  Limiting servings of sugars and starches will also aid in protecting your child’s teeth from decay.  During your child's Stroudsburg Family Dental exam, please feel free to ask Dr. Iglio to help select foods to create your child's best diet for dental health.

Q: HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD IS GETTING ENOUGH FLUORIDE?

Fluoride is an important mineral for child development.  Bacteria in the mouth combines with sugars and produces acid that can harm tooth enamel and damage teeth.  Using fluoride on children’s teeth protects against acid damage and helps reverse early signs of decay.  Make sure your kids are brushing with toothpaste that contains fluoride.  Make sure your children are drinking plenty of water, and ask Dr. Iglio to evaluate the fluoride level of your child’s primary drinking water source.  If they are not getting enough fluoride internally through water (especially if the fluoride level is deficient or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride), then Dr. Iglio may prescribe fluoride supplements.

Q: WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MY CHILD’S TEETH DURING SPORTING EVENTS?

Does your child wear teeth protection while playing sports?  They should!  One-size-fits-all soft, plastic guards can be used to protect a child’s teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from teeth sports injuries.  If you're interested in a custom fit mouth guard, Stroudsburg Family Dental can create one that will protect your child from injuries to the teeth, face and even could provide protection from severe injuries to the head.

Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CHILD HAS A PERMANENT TOOTH KNOCKED OUT?

Your child's permanent tooth is loose or has been knocked out after an accident...what to do?  The most important thing to do is to remain calm!  Then find the tooth. Hold it by the crown rather than the root and try to reinsert it in the socket. If that is not possible, call our office and schedule an emergency appointment.  Put the lost tooth in a glass of milk and bring your child - and the lost tooth, to your appointment.

Q: WHAT IS A CHILD DENTAL SEALANT?

Pediatric dental sealants protect the surfaces of back teeth where most cavities in children are found - and the most chewing occurs. Made of clear or shaded composite resin, sealants are painted onto the tiny grooves and depressions in the molars. They seal these cracks and openings, and prevent food from becoming lodged and plaque from forming. The application of children's dental sealants is quick and painless for kids. Dr. Iglio can determine which of your child’s teeth can most benefit from sealants.

Q: ARE DENTAL X-RAYS IMPORTANT FOR A CHILD?

Dental x-rays during childhood are a vital and necessary part of their dental treatment. Without them, certain dental conditions can and will be missed. X-rays detect much more than cavities. For example, radiographs may be needed to survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, evaluate the results of an injury, or plan orthodontic treatment. Radiographs allow dentists to diagnose and treat health conditions that cannot be detected during a clinical examination. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for your child - and more affordable for you. It is recommended that your child receive X-rays and examinations at least once a year, please consult Dr. Iglio regarding their frequency.

Q: WHAT IS CONSIDERED A CHILDREN’S DENTAL EMERGENCY?

• Toothaches: Clean the area of the affected tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris. If the pain still exists, contact your child’s dentist.
• Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek: Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency room.
• Knocked Out Permanent Tooth: Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top, not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. You can transport the tooth in a cup of milk.The patient must see a children’s dental office IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

Q: HOW CAN I TAKE CARE OF MY CHILD'S TEETH AT HOME TO PREVENT DENTAL PROBLEMS?

Begin daily brushing with a soft bristled toothbrush and water as soon as the child’s first tooth appears. After the age of 3, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used instead of water.  By age six, children should be able to brush their own teeth twice a day with supervision - to make sure they are doing a thorough job.  Brushing supervision should not be needed after age 8, however each child is different. Dr. Iglio can help determine whether your child has the skill level to brush properly.  Proper brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces. When teaching children the right way to brush their teeth, place toothbrush at a 45 degree angle; start along gum line with a soft bristle brush in a gentle circular motion. Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower.  Repeat the same method on the inside surfaces and chewing surfaces of all the teeth.  Finish by brushing the tongue to help freshen breath and remove bacteria.  Very important - don't forget to floss!  Flossing removes plaque between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach and should begin when any two teeth touch each other. Floss your child’s teeth until he or she can do it alone.