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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 thumb sucking 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
fluoride?
What can I do to protect my child's teeth during
sporting events?
What should I do if my child falls and knocks out a
permanent tooth?
How safe are dental X-rays?
How can parents help prevent tooth
decay?
1. What should I use to clean my baby's
teeth? (back to
top)
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.
More: Dental Care For Your Baby
2. When should I take my child to the
dentist for the first check-up? (back to top)
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.
More: Dental Care For Your Baby
3. What is the difference between a
pediatric dentist and a family dentist? (back to top)
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.
More: The Pediatric Dentist
4. Are baby teeth really that important to my child? (back to top)
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.
More: The Pediatric Dentist
5. What should I do if my child has a toothache? (back to top)
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.
More: Emergency Dental Care
6. Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a
child's teeth? (back to
top)
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.
More: Thumb, Finger and Pacifier Habits
7. How can I prevent decay caused by
nursing? (back to
top)
Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than
water in their bedtime bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush
and floss your child's teeth. Take your child to a dentist
regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The first dental
visit should be scheduled by your child's first birthday.
More: Dental Care For Your Baby
8. How often does my child need to see the pediatric
dentist? (back to
top)
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.
More: Regular Dental Visits
9. Toothpaste: when should we begin using it and how much
should we use? (back to
top)
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 excess toothpaste after brushing, not swallow
it.
More: Enamel Fluorosis
10. How do I make my child's diet safe for
his teeth? (back to
top)
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.
More: Diet and Dental Health
11. How do dental sealants work? (back to top)
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.
More: Sealants
12. How do I know if my child is
getting enough fluoride? (back to top)
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 added fluoride), then your pediatric dentist will prescribe
fluoride supplements.
More: Enamel Fluorosis
13. What can I do to protect my child's
teeth during sporting events? (back to top)
Soft plastic mouth guards can be used to protect a child's teeth,
lips, cheeks, and gums from sport related injuries. A mouth guard
purchased in a sporting goods store will help prevent injuries to
the teeth. A custom-fitted mouth guards 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.
More: Mouth Protectors
14. What should I do if my child falls and
knocks out a permanent tooth? (back to top)
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.
More: Emergency Dental Care
15. How safe are dental X-rays? (back to top)
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.
More: X-Ray Use and Safety
16. How can parents help prevent
tooth decay? (back to
top)
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.
More: Preventive Dentistry | 