FAQs

American Dental Association recommends that patients schedule an appointment for their child as soon as their first tooth emerges or by one year of age.

A pediatric dentist enjoys working with children. They continue their education with multiple years of additional specialized training. Your doctor gains extensive knowledge and experience in treating infants, children, and adolescents during pediatric dentistry training.

We recommend parents clean their baby’s gums after feedings using a damp, soft washcloth even before their first primary (baby) tooth appears. Once the first tooth appears, you can switch to a toothbrush that has soft bristles and a small head.

Cavities are caused by particular types of bacteria that live in our mouths. Harmful acids are produced when these bacteria come into contact with sugary foods left behind on our teeth from eating. These acids attack tooth enamel, eventually eating through the enamel and creating holes in your teeth, which we call cavities.

Sealants cover the pits and fissures in the teeth that are susceptible to decay. They are a safe and straightforward method to prevent cavities from forming, especially for hard to reach teeth (molars). Schedule a dental appointment for your child to determine if they may benefit from this procedure.

If your child continues to suck their thumbs even after their permanent teeth erupt, schedule an appointment at our dental office. We can check to see if problems may arise from this habit.

Maintaining a positive attitude is the best preparation for your child’s first dental visit. Avoid using negative language or making negative comments about visiting the dentist to prevent them from developing a fear of having an unpleasant experience. Remind your child that their dentist will help to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Generally, we recommend parents schedule checkups every six months. However, more frequent visits may be recommended; this will depend on their needs.

Your child’s teeth play an essential role in their development. Not only do they make it possible for your child to speak, smile, and chew properly, they also save space in the jaw for the permanent (adult) teeth. Early tooth loss due to damage or decay can cause adjacent teeth to encroach on the space, leading to crooked or misplaced permanent teeth. Additionally, your child’s general health is affected by the oral health of their teeth and gums.

Once a few of your child’s teeth have appeared, you can begin using toothpaste to brush their teeth. Speak with your pediatric dentist to determine which toothpaste to use.

Be sure your child is brushing their teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. It is essential to floss daily, as dental floss reaches spots between teeth that brushing cannot. Also, limit your child’s consumption of sugary foods and drinks and schedule regular dental appointments. We will check the health of your child’s teeth and provide professional cleanings.

We recommend that children involved in sports should wear mouth guards. Speak with your dentist about obtaining a custom-fit mouth guard to protect their teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums.

Children age two or three should receive X-rays; this familiarizes your child with the process and provides simple pictures of the front and lower teeth. When the baby teeth in the back are touching one another, yearly X-rays are recommended. This helps to ensure your child’s teeth and jaw are healthy and properly aligned.