When should I take my child to the dentist for their first check-up?
Children should be seen for their first dental appointment within 6 months of their first tooth eruption or at 1 year old.
When will my child start having teeth in their mouth?
The average age of baby teeth erupting into the mouth is 4 to 6 months (but can vary in each child!).
Should I clean my child’s mouth before they have teeth?
Before teeth erupt it’s important to keep the gums healthy after eating/drinking, this can be done easily with a clean damp cloth or a silicone finger toothbrush that can be found at our office.
What can I do when my child is teething?
Common teething discomfort can be helped by using a cold, wet, clean cloth for the baby to chew on or an ADA-approved cold teething toy.
When should I start using toothpaste? How much?
Once the teeth begin to erupt teeth can be brushed with a soft children’s size toothbrush and a smear of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice).
Why should I not send my child to bed with a bottle?
Never put your baby to bed with a bottle! Having juice or milk during the night is one of the highest risks for early childhood caries. Bacteria in the mouth eat away at the sugar and make acid. The acid breaks down the tooth surface leading to cavities.
Why does my child need sealants?
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.
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 sports-related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard developed by a pediatric dentist will protect your child from injuries to the teeth, and face and even protect from severe injuries to the head.