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Frequently Asked Questions
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 thumbsucking 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 dental sealants work?
How do I know if my child is getting enough flouride?
What can I do to protect my child's teeth during sporting events?
What should I do if my child fall and knocks out a permanent tooth?
How safe are dentail X-rays?
How can parents help prevent tooth decay?
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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