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Frequently
Asked Questions
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.
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
dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her
first birthday.
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.
What should I do if my child has a toothache?
Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather than placing
aspirin on the teeth or gums. Finally, see a dentist as soon as
possible.
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 dentist.
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 dentist
regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The first dental
visit should be scheduled by your child's first birthday.
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 dentist can tell
you when and how often your child should visit based on their
personal oral health.
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.
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 dentist to help you select foods
that protect your children's teeth.
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.
How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?
Have your 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 dentist may prescribe fluoride
supplements.
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 dentist will protect your child from
injuries to the teeth, face and even provide protection from severe
injuries to the head.
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 dentist.
How safe are dental X-rays?
There is very little risk in dental X-rays. 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.
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.
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