Frequently Asked Questions.......
What should I use to clean my
baby's teeth?
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. More:
Dental Care For Your Baby
When should I take my child to the
dentist for the first check-up?
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. More:
Dental Care For Your Baby
What is the difference between a pediatric
dentist and a family dentist?
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.
More:
The Pediatric Dentist
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. More:
The Pediatric Dentist
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.
More:
Emergency Dental Care
Are thumbsucking 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 when the permanent teeth arrive,
a mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist.
More:
Thumb, Finger and Pacifier Habits
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. More:
Dental Care For Your Baby
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. More:
Regular Dental Visits
Toothpaste: when should we begin
using it and how much should we use?
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 and not swallow
excess toothpaste after brushing. More:
Enamel Fluorosis
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.
More:
Diet and Dental Health
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. More:
Sealants
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. More:
Enamel Fluorosis
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.
More:
Mouth Protectors
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. More:
Emergency Dental Care
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.
More:
X-Ray Use and Safety
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. More:
Preventive Dentistry
