401 GREGORY LANE, SUITE 236, PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523 / PH (925) 363-4200

May Hayder, DDS & Bessma Hayder, DDS

Board-Certified Specialists in Pediatric Dentistry

For Pediatricians (and Parents)

We hope that you will find some basic information on this page helpful in addressing oral health concerns that parents in your practice may come to you with.  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's Reference Manual (www.aapd.org) is a great resource that can provide information in more detail.  And, of course, you are always welcome to contact our practice if we can be of help!

 

If there are any topics that you would like us to include on this page, please don't hesitate to contact us!

PREVENTIVE TREATMENT APPROACH

October 2021

 

With the increased consumption of sweets that comes with the approaching holiday season, now is a good time to emphasize prevention in oral health.  The AAPD applies the AAP’s prevention model, advising a child’s first visit by age 1.  By forming a dental home early, a child’s risk factors can be noted and a personalized treatment plan developed.

 

Most children should visit a dentist twice yearly.  Twice daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is important when the first tooth erupts (research shows xylitol toothpastes are less effective).  Foods and drinks high in refined sugar should be limited, especially between meals.

 

The timing of the first radiographs is based not on age, but on a patient’s caries risk level (determined in part by medical/dental histories and oral exam).  A child’s ability to tolerate radiographs is also an important factor.

TRAUMA MANAGEMENT

April 2021

 

As the weather gets warmer and pandemic restrictions ease, the incidence of oral and other injuries in children is likely to increase.

 

Some of the most common injuries include tooth fractures.  Immediate consultation is recommended, especially if the pulp (nerve) has been exposed.  Any kind of tooth luxation injury should also be immediately addressed.

 

Remember that an avulsed primary tooth should not be reimplanted.  Avulsed permanent teeth should be reimplanted ASAP—ideally at the emergency site by a parent—or stored in milk until treatment can be rendered.

SILVER DIAMINE FLUORIDE

August 2020

 

We wanted to share some information about a fairly new treatment in pediatric dentistry:  Silver Diamine Fluoride, or SDF.

 

In certain situations, when fillings cannot be placed (eg, limited cooperation due to age), SDF may be applied onto a cavity without drilling in as little as seconds. This arrests the decay process in the primary tooth until the child can tolerate traditional treatment.

 

The silver component seals the tooth, and also has an anti-microbial effect.  The fluoride aids in remineralization.  SDF has been found to be more effective than fluoride varnish in arresting decay.