1.      At what age should my child see the dentist?
We recommend that children have their first dental checkup around their first birthday, or six months after their first tooth appears.  Although it is never to late to start dental care, we encourage all parents to bring their children in before their third birthday.  

2.      When do all of my baby's teeth come in?
The two lower front teeth (central incisors) usually appear around six months of age, with the upper front teeth following soon thereafter.  During the next two years, at approximately four-month intervals, the remaining baby (primary) teeth appear.  The sequence of appearance is not orderly from front to back, so you may see molars before the eye (canine) teeth.   (Back to top)

Pain from teething can be comforted by having the child chew on a cold teething ring or a teething biscuit.  Topical teething medication may be applied directly to the gums and can be purchased at your pharmacy.  Occasional use of Tylenol (as directed by a physician) may also help your baby tolerate teething better.  (Back to top)

3.      What is the best way to clean baby teeth?
To prepare baby for brushing, clean his/her mouth and gums even before teeth begin to appear.  Once your baby's teeth appear, brush twice a day, after breakfast and before bed.  Use an infant size toothbrush, or even a moist washcloth if baby absolutely refuses a toothbrush.  Keep brushing sessions fun and short, and soon baby will accept this new daily routine.   (Back to top)

5.      How often should my child see the dentist?
As part of preventive care, children and teens should visit our office every six months in order to prevent dental decay as much as possible.  Teeth cleanings remove debris that build up on teeth, irritate the gums, and cause decay.  Fluoride treatments renew the fluoride content of the enamel, strengthening teeth and preventing cavities.  Even if decay is found, we can then treat it early before bigger problems occur.  We also utilize these six-month visits to monitor your child's dental and facial growth and development, to emphasize great home care, and to address any questions you may have.   (Back to top)

7.      What is enamel fluorosis?
If a child gets too much fluoride during the years of tooth development, he or she may face the condition called enamel fluorosis.  Fluorosis appears as white or brown markings on teeth and may appear pitted or rough in severe cases.  This can happen in several different ways.  First, a child may take more fluoride supplement than prescribed.  Second, the child may take a supplement when there is already an optimal amount of fluoride in the water.  Third, some children ingest an excess of fluoridated toothpaste.  They may use too much toothpaste (a pea sized blob is all that is needed). Some children also like the taste so much that they swallow the toothpaste instead of spitting it out.   (Back to top)

8.      Why is a good diet and nutrition important for teeth?
Encouraging a balanced diet will go a long way toward developing good eating habits and overall health for a lifetime.  Offering snacks like fruits, vegetables, peanut butter and cheese, and limiting the frequency of sugary or starchy snacks, juice and soda will greatly reduce the risk of your child developing tooth decay.  (Back to top)

10.  When should my child quit thumb sucking or using the pacifier?
As kids grow, their need to suck their thumbs or pacifier usually goes away by the time they are three to four years old.  Children are more able to control their behavior at this age.  Ideally, a child will not need any help breaking the habit or will grow out of it with the help of positive reinforcement.  If this happens before the age of four, then usually no intervention is necessary.  However, older kids, who may continue to suck when they are bored, may need help breaking their habit with a specially designed retainer.  Wearing the retainer will block the sucking habit and reduce deformation of the palate, allowing a more normal growth pattern to progress.  It is important to mention these habits at your child's routine exams so that we can properly monitor your child's growth.   (Back to top)

12.  What should I do if my child's permanent tooth is knocked out?
Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water.  Do NOT scrub it or clean it with soap.  If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a washcloth.  If you can't put the tooth back in the socket, place it in a clean container with milk or water.  Call us immediately!  The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.   (Back to top)

14.  What if my child has a toothache?
Call our office and we will schedule a visit promptly.  To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water.  Apply cold compresses or ice wrapped in a cloth.  Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.  (Back to top)

15.  What causes cavities?
Tooth decay is caused by plaque- a thin, sticky, yellowish film of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone's teeth.  When sugar is eaten, the bacteria produce acids that attack tooth enamel.  After repeated acid attacks, the enamel breaks down, creating a hole in the tooth's surface.  Soda, juice, chocolate milk and candy (especially the sticky ones!) are common culprits in facilitating these acid attacks.    (Back to top)

17.  How safe is nitrous oxide?
Very safe.  Nitrous oxide/oxygen is perhaps the safest sedative in dentistry.  It is non-addictive.  It is mild, easily taken, and quickly eliminated from the body.  Your child remains fully conscious and keeps all natural reflexes when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen.  If nitrous oxide/oxygen will be used at a visit, we ask that you give your child little or no food before the visit.  Nausea or vomiting may occur when a child has a full stomach. (Back to top)