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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.
More: Dental Care For Your Baby
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.
More: Dental Care For Your Baby
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.
More: The Pediatric Dentist
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.
More: The Pediatric Dentist
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.
More: Emergency Dental Care
Are thumb sucking 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.
More: Thumb, Finger and Pacifier Habits
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.
More: Dental Care For Your Baby
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.
More: Regular Dental Visits
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.
More:Enamel Fluorosis
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.
More: Diet and Dental Health
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.
More: Sealants
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.
More: Enamel Fluorosis
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.
More: Mouth Protectors
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.
More: Emergency Dental Care
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.
More: X-Ray Use and Safety
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.
More: Preventive Dentistry |
