FAQ

Q. When should my child first see a dentist?

A. “First visit by first birthday” sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, which is usually between six and 12 months of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.

Q. When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?

A. The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your baby’s gums with a clean, damp wash cloth. Baby Orajel Tooth and Gum Cleanser is a good product to use instead of toothpaste because it does not contain fluoride. Children under the age of two are unable to swish and spit, and often swallow the toothpaste. Ingestion of too much toothpaste containing fluoride could cause fluorosis which is discoloration of the enamel of the permanent teeth. After the age of two, a soft-bristled toothbrush can be introduced and you may begin using a small, pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Remember that most small children do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively. Parental supervision is strongly recommended

Q. What causes decay?

A. Decay is caused by dental plaque; a thin, sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone’s teeth. When sugar is eaten, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack the tooth enamel. After repeated acid attacks, the enamel breaks down and a cavity (hole) is formed.

Q. How can I prevent tooth decay from nursing or a bottle?

A. Don’t nurse your child to sleep or put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, juice or sweetened liquid. Use only water in the bottle. It is important to remember to start weaning your child from the bottle soon after his or her first birthday. Check with your pediatric dentist to make sure your child is getting enough fluoride for decay protection. Lastly, learn how to brush and floss your child’s teeth.

Q. What do you think about using a sippy cup instead of a bottle at bedtime?

A. Using a sippy cup at bedtime can be as harmful as using a baby bottle beyond a reasonable weaning age. If your child needs to have his/her sippy cup by the bed at night, put only water in the sippy cup. It has been shown that frequent consumption of liquids containing fermentable carbohydrates, particularly through a sippy cup or bottle at sleep times, will lead to a higher incidence of early childhood caries. When these liquids are taken via a sippy cup while the child sleeps, the liquids pool around the upper incisors and cause rapidly progressive, severe destruction of tooth structure.

Q. Should I worry about thumb or finger sucking?

A. Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants. Most stop by age two. If your child doesn’t, discourage it after four. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crowded, crooked teeth or bite problems. Your pediatric dentist will be glad to suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb sucking habit.

Q. My child’s permanent tooth is coming in behind his baby tooth! What should I do?

A. The eruption of the lower permanent incisors behind or lingual to the retained primary incisors is often a source of concern for parents. In some instances, the root has resorbed and the tooth is held only by soft tissues. In other instances, the roots may not have undergone normal resorption and the teeth are solidly in place. Keep in mind that this is a common and normal occurrence. The tongue and continued bone growth play an important role in influencing the permanent tooth into a more normal position with time. In some cases, removal of the baby tooth is recommended. It has been suggested that if this condition is identified before 7.5 years of age, it is unnecessary to remove the primary teeth because the problem will self-correct within a few months. In an older child, extraction would be the course of treatment.

Q. What is a sealant?

A. A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars), where decay occurs most often. This sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the decay-prone areas of the back teeth from plaque and acid.

Q. How do I get my child to brush longer?

A. This is always a challenge for parents. Children are on a schedule of “SPEED”-everything is done QUICKLY. We encourage our patients to brush to a favorite tape or the radio. One whole song is an adequate amount of time to brush. Another way to time your child is with a sand timer. The child can watch the sand through the hourglass and know just when he/she has brushed long enough. Parental supervision and assistance is also strongly encouraged.

Q. My child had a bad dental experience a few weeks ago and he/she needs to go back to have their treatment done. Can we have him/her sleep while the work is done?

A. There are many ways to make dental visits comfortable and non-threatening for children. Many variables are involved in determining what type of behavior management your child will need. Factors such as age, amount of treatment needed and level of anxiety are all considered. Many levels of sedation are available, from light conscious sedation to the completion of treatment as an outpatient under general anesthesia. Your pediatric dentist will work with you in deciding which option would be best for your child