FIRST DENTAL VISIT

When should I schedule my child for a first-time dental visit?

The guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry say that kids should see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth has come in.

What will happen during my child’s first dental appointment?

During the first dental appointment, the dentist will typically perform a gentle examination of your child’s mouth, check for any signs of tooth decay or other oral issues, and discuss oral hygiene practices and diet recommendations. They may also clean your child’s teeth and provide fluoride treatment, if necessary.

How often should my child see the pediatric dentist?

The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a checkup every 6 months unless there is a reason for a different schedule based on your child’s specific situation.

What can I expect in terms of dental treatments or procedures for my child?

Dental treatments or procedures for children may include dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, cavity fillings, and orthodontic evaluations. The specific treatments will depend on your child’s oral health condition and the recommendations of the dentist.

PREPARATIONS/PREVENTION

How should I prepare my child for their first dental visit?

You can prepare your child by explaining what will happen at the dental office in a positive and age-appropriate manner. Use simple language and avoid using scary or negative terms. Reading children’s books about going to the dentist or role-playing a dental visit can also help familiarize them with the experience.

What can I do to help alleviate my child’s anxiety or fear of the dentist?

To help alleviate anxiety, maintain a positive attitude and avoid sharing your own fears. Choose a pediatric dentist experienced in working with children and creating a friendly environment. Consider bringing a comfort item, such as a favorite toy or blanket, and engage in soothing activities before the visit.

How can I help prevent tooth decay?

You can help your child develop great habits by helping your child brush twice a day and floss once a day. Limiting juice, milk, soda, candy, and certain sugary and carbohydrate-rich snacks can also play a big role in avoiding dental decay. Visiting the pediatric dentist twice a year for a dental exam, cleaning, fluoride treatment, and nutritional review will help get your child a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.

Are there any specific oral care practices I should follow for my child’s age?

For infants, gently clean their gums with a clean, damp cloth. Once teeth erupt, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small smear of fluoride toothpaste. As your child grows, teach them proper brushing and flossing techniques. Encourage a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks and drinks.

When do we start using toothpaste and how much should I use?

Before teeth come in, you can clean your infant’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or a clean, moist cloth or gauze. After teeth start to come in, you can start brushing two times a day with a nonfluoridated toothpaste and a small, soft infant brush. For kids between the ages of 1 and 2 you can use a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste, half the size of a grain of rice, and for kids 2-5 you can use a pea size amount of toothpaste. Brush your child’s teeth and assist with brushing because it takes a few years before kids are old enough to brush effectively on their own.

Are thumb and finger habits bad for my child’s teeth?

Thumb and pacifier habits will generally become a problem only if they go on for a long period of time. Elements such as forcefulness and duration of the habit is important in determining the effect on the development of the teeth and jaws. If habits go on into the school years when there is eruption of the permanent teeth, then we may recommend a habit reminder or a visit with the orthodontist.

What are the common dental problems in children, and how can I prevent them?

Common dental problems in children include tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. To prevent these issues, encourage good oral hygiene practices, limit sugary foods and drinks, promote a balanced diet, and ensure your child receives fluoride treatments as recommended by the dentist.

INFANT

What is the reason for seeing a dentist when there is only a tooth or two and my child is just one year old?

Early visits help to ensure a positive dental experience for your child and give parents and caretakers guidance on how to keep healthy teeth and avoid cavities. We focus on patient and parent communication and education to instill healthy habits.

Are baby teeth really all that important?

YES! Baby teeth may be small but they are very important! They hold space for the new developing permanent teeth and act as a guide for the new teeth to come in. Baby teeth are important for chewing and speaking clearly, too

What can I use to clean my infant child’s teeth?

Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque bacteria and help avoid decay. There are brushes that are specifically designed just for infants. Brush twice a day, including especially before bedtime.

SAFETY

How do I know if my child is getting the right amount of fluoride?

Generally, state and city water is fluoridated. At-home water filters may remove some or all fluoride from tap water and you can contact the filter manufacturer or have your water tested if you have a concern. Bottled water may contain fluoride, depending on where it was bottled and what type of filtration was used in the process of purification.

How safe are dental x-rays?

Dental X-rays may be necessary to detect certain dental issues that are not visible to the naked eye. Technology has advanced over the years and with the advent of digital radiography, the exposure is nominal. Nonetheless, as pediatric dentists, we are especially careful to avoid unnecessary exposure so we also use a shield for any x-ray taken.

EMERGENCIES

What should I do if my child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth?

The most important thing to do is find the tooth. Try not to touch the root and see if you can immediately push it gently back in place. If it is not possible for you to put the tooth back, then place the tooth in a glass of milk and go directly to the closest emergency room, oral surgeon, or pediatric dentist.

What should I do if my child has a toothache?

Have your child rinse gently with warm salt water. Place a cold compress on face if it is swollen. Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) for any pain and see the dentist as soon as possible. Avoid aspirin and do not place aspirin on the gums.