Pendiatric Dental FAQ:
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:
More:
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 past the age of three, 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?
The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant
toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing
twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush.
Use a "smear" of toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age.
For the 2-5 year old, dispense a "pea-size" amount of toothpaste and perform or
assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the
ability to brush their teeth effectively.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
Teeth Eruption Chart
These charts will help you identify primary and permanent teeth and understand how
the mouth develops during childhood and the teen years.
