Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
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?
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?
What is nitrous oxide?
How do dental sealants work?
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?
When should my child get braces?
How safe are dental X-rays?
How can parents help prevent tooth decay
What should I use to clean my baby's teeth?
Use a soft, infant size toothbrush to remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Infant toothbrushes have with a small head sometimes with tiny bristles but usually with rubber nubs. They are designed especially for infants and should be used at least once a day at bedtime.
When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?
We recommend bringing your infant to a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than his/her first birthday.
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
Pediatric dentists specialize in children’s oral care. They typically have patients up to 18 years. A pediatric dentist has two to three years of specialty training following dental. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.
Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
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.
What should I do if my child has a toothache?
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.
Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?
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 past the age of three, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist.
How can I prevent decay caused by nursing?
Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child's teeth. Take your child to a pediatric dentist regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The first dental visit should be scheduled by your child's first birthday.
How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?
We recommend a check-up every six months to keep teeth clean and 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.
How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?
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.
Toothpaste: when should we begin using it and how much should we use?
Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. Parents should use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt using a soft, appropriately sized toothbrush. Once children are 3 to 6 years old, then the amount should be increased to a pea-size dollop and you should help guide your child’s tooth brushing. Young children typically are not able to brush their teeth effectively and they need to be reminded to spit out and not swallow the toothpaste when they are finished brushing.
How do I make my child's diet safe for his teeth?
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.
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide (aka, laughing gas or sweet air) is an anti-anxiety gas that can be breathed in through a simple mask. It is, for all intents and purposes, a harmless medication which works fast and is extremely short lasting with relatively no side effects. It is a great tool for children because of its safety and efficacy. It helps alleviate anxiety in children who are cooperative but apprehensive. Use of nitrous is not necessary for many patients. Our doctor determines when use of nitrous is needed in the course of treatment.
How do dental sealants work?
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.
How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?
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 fluoride), then your pediatric dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements.
What can I do to protect my child's teeth during sporting events?
Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect a child's teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard 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.
What should I do if my child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth?
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.
When should my child get braces?
We recommend orthodontic evaluation when your child reaches age 7. Prior to your child reaching age 7, our doctors will do periodic checkup during examinations to determine when to begin orthodontic treatment. There are certain orthodontic issues which require early intervention at about 7-8 years old. Otherwise, most orthodontic problems can wait until all the baby teeth have been replaced by permanent teeth.
How safe are dental X-rays?
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.
How can parents help prevent tooth decay
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.
