Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions. If you need more information, please call or email our office.
What should I use to clean my baby's teeth?
When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
What should I do if my child has a toothache?
Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?
How can I prevent decay caused by nursing?
How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?
Toothpaste: when should we begin using it and how much should we use?
How do I make my child's diet safe for his teeth?
How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?
What can I do to protect my child's teeth during sporting events?
What should I do if my child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth?
How can parents help prevent tooth decay?
1. What should I use to clean my baby's teeth? (back to top)
A toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime.
2. When should I take my child to the dentist for the
first check-up? (back to top)
In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist
when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.
3. What is the difference between a pediatric dentist
and a family dentist? (back to top)
Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has
two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her
practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty
oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including
those with special health needs.
4. Are baby teeth really that important
to my child? (back to top)
Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help
children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that
permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.
5. What should I do if my child has a toothache?
(back to top)
First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress
on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather
than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums. Finally, see a dentist as soon as
possible.
6. Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits
harmful for a child's teeth? (back to top)
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 the permanent
teeth arrive, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist.
7. How can I prevent decay caused by nursing?
(back to top)
Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their
bedtime bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child's teeth.
Take your child to a dentist regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked.
The first dental visit should be scheduled by your child's first birthday.
8. How often does my child need to see the
pediatric dentist? (back to top)
A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other
dental problems. However, your pediatric dentist can tell you when and how often
your child should visit based on their personal oral health.
9. Toothpaste: when should we begin
using it and how much should we use? (back to top)
Fluoridated toothpaste should be introduced when a child is 2-3 years of age.
Prior to that, parents should clean the child's teeth with water and a soft-bristled
toothbrush. When toothpaste is used after age 2-3, parents should supervise
brushing and make sure the child uses no more than a pea-sized amount on the
brush. Children should spit out excess toothpaste after brushing, not swallow
it.
10. How do I make my child's diet safe for his teeth?
(back to top)
Make sure your child has a balanced diet, including one serving each of: fruits
and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat fish and
eggs. Limiting the servings of sugars and starches will also aid in protecting
your child's teeth from decay. You can also ask your pediatric dentist to help
you select foods that protect your children's teeth.
11. How do dental sealants work? (back to top)
Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities.
The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for
many years.
12. How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?
(back to top)
Have your pediatric dentist evaluate the fluoride level of your child's primary
source of drinking water. If your child is not getting enough fluoride internally
through water (especially if the fluoride level is deficient or if your child
drinks bottled water without added fluoride), then your pediatric dentist will
prescribe fluoride supplements.
13. What can I do to protect my child's teeth during
sporting events? (back to top)
Soft plastic mouth guards can be used to protect a child's teeth, lips, cheeks,
and gums from sport related injuries. A mouth guard purchased in a sporting
goods store will help prevent injuries to the teeth. A custom-fitted mouth guards
developed by a pediatric dentist will protect your child from injuries to the
teeth, face, and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.
14. What should I do if my child falls and knocks out
a permanent tooth? (back to top)
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, put the tooth in a glass of milk and take your child and
the glass immediately to the pediatric dentist.
15. How safe are dental X-rays? (back to top)
There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Pediatric dentists are especially
careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead
aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount
of radiation.
16. How can parents help prevent tooth decay?
(back to top)
Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning with
the eruption of the first tooth. Then, the dentist can recommend a specific
program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for parents to supervise
and teach to their children. These home treatments, when added to regular dental
visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy
habits.