2325 West Arbors Dr, Suite 104, Charlotte, NC 28262
2325 West Arbors Dr, Suite 104, Charlotte, NC 28262
Most parents do not think about their child’s dental health until something goes wrong, and by then the window for the easiest, most affordable intervention has often already passed. The questions parents ask us every day, from when to schedule the first visit to how to stop thumb sucking, have answers that genuinely change outcomes when families have them early. Our patient resources are built around making sure that never happens to the families we serve.
At University Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. M. Danielle Funny and our team in Charlotte have spent over 15 years caring for children from infancy through their teenage years. We have organized the questions we hear most often into the categories below so every parent can find what they need quickly and feel confident walking into every appointment.
Knowing what makes pediatric dentistry different helps parents make more informed decisions about their child’s care from the very beginning.
A pediatric dentist completes two to three additional years of training beyond dental school, focused specifically on caring for the oral health of infants, children, and teenagers. This training covers child development, behavior management, and how teeth, jaws, and oral structures grow and change across every stage of childhood. At University Pediatric Dentistry, that specialized foundation shapes the way we approach every appointment, every conversation, and every treatment recommendation we make.
Baby teeth are not temporary placeholders. The health of primary teeth directly affects the health of the permanent teeth that follow. Primary teeth help children chew properly, support the normal development of jaw bones and muscles, assist with speech and pronunciation, and hold the space permanent teeth need to emerge in the correct position. Healthy primary teeth also give children beautiful smiles and build the self-confidence that carries into every area of their lives.
Teeth begin forming before birth and may start pushing through the gums as early as 4 months of age. All 20 primary teeth have typically erupted by around age 3. Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6 and may continue erupting until about age 21, with adults having 28 permanent teeth, or 32 if the wisdom teeth are included.
The foundation for your child’s oral health starts earlier than most families expect. Here are the questions we hear most from expecting parents and families with young children.
You should bring your child in by their first birthday or when their first tooth begins to appear, whichever comes first. This initial visit establishes a baseline for your child’s oral health, introduces them to our team and environment, and gives parents a chance to ask questions. We use this time to provide education so you know what to expect as your child grows.
Early childhood caries, also known as baby bottle tooth decay, is caused by frequent and prolonged exposure of an infant’s teeth to sweetened or sugary liquids such as breast milk, formula, and fruit juice. We recommend that you never put your baby to sleep with a bottle unless it contains only water. If your child will not fall asleep without their usual beverage, gradually dilute the bottle’s contents with water over a two to three week period. After each feeding, gently wipe your baby’s gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that all pregnant women receive oral health care and counseling during pregnancy. Some oral conditions, such as periodontal disease, can increase the risk of pre-term birth and low birth weight. We recommend visiting the dentist regularly, brushing and flossing daily, maintaining a healthy diet, and using a fluoridated toothpaste along with an alcohol-free, fluoridated rinse each night. Avoid sharing utensils or cups with your children, as this can transmit harmful bacteria from your mouth to your baby’s.
Prevention is the foundation of pediatric dentistry, and the habits families build early make the biggest difference over time. According to the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics, 15% of children ages 5 to 11 still had untreated dental caries as recently as 2020, underscoring just how much consistent preventive care matters from an early age.
Children should visit a pediatric dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. For infants, use a wet gauze or soft toothbrush to remove plaque from teeth and gums. Older children should brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and avoid frequent sugary snacks and drinks. Regular visits give our team the opportunity to provide additional preventive care, including sealants and fluoride treatments, that add another critical layer of protection.
Dental sealants are a clear or tooth-colored coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back molars and premolars. They seal out food, plaque, and acid from the areas of the teeth most prone to decay, and we typically recommend them for permanent molars as soon as they come in, usually between ages 6 and 12. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens teeth and can be found in many water sources and foods. Make sure your child is able to spit out toothpaste after brushing, and do not give fluoride supplements to infants younger than six months of age.
Most cases of teeth grinding, known as bruxism, do not require treatment, and most children outgrow it by around age 9 to 12. If excessive wear or jaw joint problems develop, we may recommend a night guard. Thumb sucking beyond age 3 to 4 can cause developmental problems with the mouth and tooth alignment. University Pediatric Dentistry offers habit correction appliances to help your child break this habit, and our team can walk you through strategies to support your child at home as well.
For a toothache, clean the area, floss gently to remove any food, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Do not place aspirin or heat on the gums. For a cut or bitten tongue, lip, or cheek, apply ice to reduce swelling and firm pressure with a cloth to control bleeding. If bleeding does not stop, visit the emergency room. A knocked-out baby tooth is generally not an emergency, but you should contact us for guidance. For a chipped or fractured permanent tooth, contact our emergency dental team as quickly as possible, as prompt action can save the tooth and prevent infection.
As children grow, their dental needs evolve. This section covers more involved treatments as well as concerns that are specific to teenagers.
Yes, dental X-rays are safe. We use digital radiography, which significantly reduces radiation exposure compared to traditional film and produces high-quality images instantly so we can detect problems that would not be visible during a routine exam.
Pulp therapy, sometimes called a pulpotomy, is a root canal procedure for children. When the interior of a tooth becomes infected, a pulpotomy removes the diseased tissue and restores the tooth. Our sedation dentistry options make this procedure comfortable for even the most anxious child.
Tobacco in any form causes serious, lasting damage to oral health. Smokeless tobacco is no safer than cigarettes and can cause periodontal disease and precancerous lesions in as few as three to four months. Early signs of oral cancer include sores that will not heal, white or red patches on the lips or tongue, and difficulty chewing or swallowing. Oral piercings carry equally serious risks, including infection, nerve damage, chipped teeth, and in severe cases, airway swelling. We are always happy to have these conversations directly with your teen during their visit with Dr. M. Danielle Funny.
Dr. Funny and our team are committed to making sure every family we serve feels informed, supported, and genuinely welcomed from the very first visit. We care for children from across the Charlotte area, including families from University City, Mallard Creek, Concord, Huntersville, and Kannapolis, and we take pride in being a dental home families trust year after year.
If you have additional questions or are ready to schedule your child’s next appointment, we invite you to contact our office today. We look forward to meeting your family and getting your child started on a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Get your child started on a lifetime of healthy smiles.
