Dental Related Frequently Asked Questions

Dental-Related Questions

  • When will my baby start getting teeth?

    Babies typically begin teething at six months of age. Usually, the bottom lower front teeth usually erupt first, followed by the two upper front teeth. Children have twenty teeth compared to adults, that typically have 32. Generally, a child will have erupted all their teeth by 2-3 years of age.

  • When should I take my child to the dentist for their first visit?

    The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist within six months after the first tooth appears or by the baby's first birthday. The first visit will usually include an exam, cleaning, fluoride, and discussing prevention, diet, and homecare oral health guidance.

  • How often must I bring my child to the dentist?

    In general, check-ups/recall visits are recommended at least every six months to aid in preventing cavities or other dental problems. It is always better to diagnose a potential problem early on. Every child has individual oral healthcare needs. Therefore, the frequency of dental visits will vary as the situation necessitates. Regular visits keep children familiar with the dentist and their staff. These visits build confidence in children and are much more pleasant when the child is not forced to associate the dentist with emergency treatment due to tooth pain and dental neglect. Decay or breakdown of a tooth detected in the early stages is more accessible and less costly to treat.

  • How important are baby teeth since they will fall out anyway?

    "Baby" teeth or primary teeth have three main functions:

    1. They allow children to chew. Pain-free feeding relates to your child's diet, nutrition, and overall health.
    2. Baby teeth are essential for speech development. 
    3. Baby teeth provide a pathway for permanent teeth to erupt promptly.

    Premature tooth loss from cavities/infection allows remaining teeth to move into the space and cause crowding. Cavities on baby teeth can cause permanent teeth to have higher cavity susceptibility.

  • If my toddler has a cavity, should they get a filling?

    The earlier a cavity is diagnosed and treated, the less invasive the overall treatment. Over time, cavities can spread if allowed over time, leading to an infection. It is essential to evaluate each situation individually to determine what is best for the child at any given time in terms of the child's ability to cope with a procedure.

  • What are sealants, and does my child need them?

    Sealants are hard plastic-like materials placed into the grooves of the chewing surfaces of teeth to help prevent cavities. They work by blocking out the sticky, sugary foods and liquids that tend to get caught in the teeth. The application is fast and pain-free. Sealants are recommended based on the child's diet, history of cavities (family history), and overall teeth anatomy.

  • How safe are dental X-rays?

    Dental radiographs or X-rays are necessary for your child to receive the highest standard of care. The diagnostic benefits far outweigh the minimal risks involved in dental X-rays. Pediatric dentists carefully limit the amount of radiation exposure for children by using lead aprons and digital radiography, which reduces radiation substantially. Without X-rays, conditions that include cavities, missing or extra teeth, and pathology/diseases will go undetected. Digital X-rays have minimal radiation, crystal-clear images, and unbelievable speed. With digital X-rays, the patient's images appear instantaneously on a nearby monitor, giving us a convenient chair-side image to analyze and refer to throughout the dental visit. We are pleased to offer this dental technology.

  • What is the main difference between pediatric and general dentists?

    A pediatric dentist has two to three years of advanced training following dental school that is specific to treating children and those with special needs. We are oral healthcare providers for infants, toddlers, adolescents, and teenagers. We also work closely with pediatricians to provide children with special healthcare needs.

Oral Healthcare at Home

  • What should I use to clean my baby's teeth?

    We recommend a soft toothbrush when the teeth come in and a soft cloth or washcloth only after feeding at night. We also recommend a rice-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste 2x/a day until the child can spit. Then we recommend a small pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.

  • Is fluoride toothpaste and fluoridated water good for my child?

    The use of fluoride to prevent cavities is approved as safe and effective in decreasing cavities by making teeth stronger when given in the correct dosage. If your water supply contains less than 0.6 ppm (private wells), a dietary supplement may be recommended for your child (6 months to 16 years old). If your child is unable to spit, avoid fluoride toothpaste. Use a grain of rice amount of fluoride toothpaste twice daily on the toothbrush 2x/a day. It is acceptable to begin using toothpaste (pea-size amount) with children 2-3 years of age. Before that, parents should clean the child's teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Contacting a pediatric dentist to ensure your child receives enough daily fluoride is important.

  • What can I do to stop my child's thumb-sucking and pacifier habits? Is it harming their teeth?

    Many oral habits, such as thumb and pacifier sucking, only become problematic if they persist for prolonged periods. This is very normal in infants and young children. Most children stop these habits on their own by age three. Habit-breaking appliances are recommended and used for children who want to stop but need an active reminder. Long-term oral habits such as thumb or finger sucking, mouth breathing, and tongue thrusting can produce dental and skeletal changes. The amount of change is related to the frequency, duration, intensity, and direction of the forces applied.

For more information about our cavity prevention, call 248-478-3232.

Share by: