Frequently Asked Questions

It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can lead to problems that affect developing permanent teeth. Baby teeth are important for proper chewing and eating, holding space for permanent teeth, guiding them into the correct position, permitting normal jaw and muscle development, speech development, and appearance. While the front four teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth are not replaced until ages 10-13.

Radiographs are a vital and necessary part of your child's dental diagnostic process. X-rays detect more than cavities; they can help survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, evaluate injuries, and plan orthodontic treatment. Pediatric dentists are careful to minimize radiation exposure with contemporary safeguards, lead aprons and shields, filtered equipment, and high-speed film.

Begin daily brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts. A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used after a child is old enough not to swallow it. By age 4 or 5, children may brush twice daily with supervision until about age seven. Teach brushing with a soft bristle brush at a 45-degree angle and gentle circular motion. Floss when any two teeth touch, using a gentle back and forth motion and curving the floss into a C-shape around the tooth.

Healthy eating habits lead to healthy teeth. Teeth, bones, and soft tissues need a balanced diet from the five major food groups. Frequent snacking increases the chance of tooth decay, especially when food stays in the mouth for a long time. If your child snacks, choose nutritious foods such as vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cheese.

Good oral hygiene removes bacteria and leftover food particles that combine to create cavities. For infants, use wet gauze or a clean washcloth to wipe plaque from teeth and gums. Avoid putting a child to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water. For older children, brush at least twice a day and watch the number of sugary snacks. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends six-month visits beginning at the first birthday.

A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities in children are found. It acts as a barrier to food, plaque, and acid, protecting decay-prone areas of the teeth.

Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by frequent and long exposures of an infant's teeth to liquids that contain sugar, including milk, formula, fruit juice, and sweetened drinks. A bottle at nap or bedtime should contain only water. After each feeding, wipe the baby's gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze pad.

Teething varies from child to child. In general, the first baby teeth are usually the lower front teeth and often begin erupting between 6-8 months.

Children's teeth begin forming before birth. The first primary teeth often erupt around 4 months, and all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3. Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors, and continue until approximately age 21.

For a toothache, clean the area thoroughly, rinse with warm water, use dental floss to remove debris, do not place aspirin on the gum or tooth, apply cold compresses if the face is swollen, and take the child to a dentist. For cuts or bitten lips, tongue, or cheeks, apply ice and firm gentle pressure with gauze or cloth; if bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes, go to the hospital emergency room. For a knocked-out permanent tooth, handle the tooth by the crown, rinse without unnecessary handling, try to reinsert it if sound, or transport it in saliva or milk. See a dentist immediately.

Fluoride is an element shown to be beneficial to teeth, but too little or too much can be harmful. Too little fluoride does not strengthen teeth enough to resist cavities, while excessive fluoride ingestion by preschool-aged children can lead to dental fluorosis. Sources include too much toothpaste, inappropriate fluoride supplements, hidden dietary sources, infant formulas, cereals, spinach, some chicken products, teas, grape juices, juice drinks, and drinks made with fluoridated city water.

Use baby tooth cleaner for very young children, place only a pea-sized drop of children's toothpaste on the brush, account for all sources of ingested fluoride before requesting supplements, avoid fluoride supplements for infants under six months, and obtain fluoride test results for drinking water before giving supplements.

Choose toothpaste recommended by the American Dental Association because these products have been tested for safety. Children should spit out toothpaste after brushing to avoid too much fluoride. If a child is too young or unable to spit, consider fluoride-free toothpaste, no toothpaste, or only a pea-sized amount.

Parents often notice bruxism because of grinding sounds during sleep or visible tooth wear. Stress, pressure changes in the inner ear, or other factors may contribute. Most cases do not require treatment, though a night guard may be considered for excessive wear. Most children outgrow grinding between ages 6-12. If you suspect bruxism, discuss it with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist.

Sucking is a natural reflex that can provide comfort and security. Thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of permanent teeth can affect mouth growth and tooth alignment. Children usually stop between ages two and four. Helpful approaches include praising children when they are not sucking, addressing anxiety, offering comfort, rewarding progress, asking the dentist to encourage them, or using reminders such as a bandage or sock at night.

Oral piercings can be dangerous. Risks include chipped or cracked teeth, blood clots, blood poisoning, infection, swelling that can affect the airway, pain, increased saliva, gum injuries, difficult-to-control bleeding, and nerve damage. The American Dental Association advises giving your mouth a break and skipping mouth jewelry.