Below are common questions and our answers about the best way to care for children’s teeth.
When should I schedule my child’s first visit to the dentist?
We recommend that you make an appointment to see the dentist as soon as your child gets their first tooth.
How is a pediatric dentist different from other dentists?
All dental specialists (pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and others) begin by completing dental school, then continue their education with several years of additional specialized training. I spent an additional two years at Miami Children's Hospital learing all aspects of pediatrics so that I would be best prepared to care for your child
How often should my child visit the dentist?
We generally recommend scheduling checkups every six months. Depending on the circumstances of your child’s oral health, we may recommend more frequent visits.
Baby teeth aren’t permanent. Why do they need special care?
Although they don’t last as long as permanent teeth, your child’s first teeth play an important role in development. While they’re in place, these primary teeth help your little one speak, smile, and chew properly. They also hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth. Your child’s general health is affected by the oral health of their teeth and gums.
What’s the best way to clean my baby’s teeth?
Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, we recommend you clean the gums after feedings with a damp, soft washcloth. As soon as the first tooth appears, you can start using a toothbrush. We also encourage the use of small micro amounts of fluoridated toothpaste be applied to the child's teeth once they start to erupt into the mouth. The more resilient we make their teeth, the better chance they have to be cavity free.
At what age is it appropriate to use toothpaste to clean my child’s teeth?
Once your child has the first tooth, you can start using fluoridated toothpaste on the brush or on a clean finger. Use only a tiny amount of fluoridated toothpaste (the size of a half grain of rice) for each cleaning.
What causes cavities?
Enamel that was not prepared for the environment and rigor of childhood, usally fall prey to cavities in areas that dont have access to saliva, which is between teeth that are touching, deep pits on the molars and along the gumline. Too frequent ingestion of carbohydrates/sugars fuels the normal flora that resides on our enamel. You might have heard of demineralization and remineralization, this is the basis of cavities, when the de exceeds the re, cavities form.
How can I help my child avoid cavities?
Be sure that you have begun to prime the tooth enamel as it begins to erupt by wiping the surface multiple times daily after feedings. By wiping the enamel you ensure that the saliva can coat the enamel and any foodstuffs have been removed that can inhibit saliva from gaining access to the enamel surface, this is what remineralization is. Demineralization is as simple as anytime one eats a carbohydrate. Too frequent De leads to not enough Re and cavities can ensue...
Does my child need dental sealants?
Maybe, maybe not. Sealants work great on the children who dont need them and often are not placed on the children that do. Why this is the case is a larger conversation for the office.
My child plays sports. How can I protect their teeth?
Even children’s sports involve contact, and we recommend mouthguards for children active in sports. If your little one plays baseball, soccer, or other sports, ask us about having a custom-fitted mouthguard made to protect the teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums.
What should I do if my child sucks their thumb?
Nothing unless they are 30 years old :)
When should my child have dental X-rays taken?
We recommend taking X-rays when the child is ready to have an xray that can be read correctly and that there is something to read that is important. We base our need on the individual, their needs, and the evidence base that guides us all.
