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Frequently Asked Questions
1. When
should my child first see a dentist?
“First visit by first birthday” sums it up. Your
child should visit a pediatric dentist when the
first tooth comes in, usually between 6 and 12
months of age. Early examination and preventive care
will protect your child’s smile now and in the
future.
2. Why so early? What dental problems could a
baby have?
The most important reason is to begin a thorough
prevention program. Dental problems can begin early.
A big concern is early childhood caries (also know
as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Your
child runs the risk of severe decay from using a
bottle during naps, at night, or when they nurse
continuously from the breast. The earlier the dental
visit, the better the chance of preventing dental
problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food
easily, learn to speak clearly and smile with
confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of
good dental habits.
3. Why should my child see a pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist is a specialist who is dedicated
to the oral health of children from birth through
the teen-age years. Pediatric dentists are trained
in many methods to help children feel comfortable
and secure with dental treatment.
4. Why are baby teeth important if they are going
to fall out anyway?
It is important that primary or “baby teeth” are
kept until they are lost naturally. Strong healthy
primary teeth help the child chew food easily, speak
clearly and guide the eruption of the permanent
teeth. They also give his or her face shape and form
and help your child feel good about the way he or
she looks and smiles. Many primary teeth are not
lost until 12 or 13 years of age. Therefore, proper
care is of the utmost importance. Neglect of the
primary teeth can lead to decay or cavities which
can result in severe pain and serious infection to
the gums and jaws, damage to the underlying
permanent teeth and poor general health of the
child.
5. How often should regular dental visits be
scheduled?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
recommends a dental check up at least two times per
year.
6. How do I prepare my child for a dental
appointment?
Please discuss the positive aspects of dentistry
with your child. Convey good feelings about dental
visits as being a part of growing up. Rather than,
“the dentist will not hurt you”, say “the dentist
will be very gentle”. Expect your child to react
well and enjoy the first dental visit and chances
are he/she will do exactly that.
7. When should bottle-feeding be stopped?
Children should be weaned from the bottle by 12
months of age.
8. Should I worry about thumb and finger sucking?
Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants: most
stop by age 1. If your child does not, discourage it
after age 4. Prolonged thumb sucking can create
crowded, crooked teeth or bite problems. Your
pediatric dentist will be glad to suggest ways to
address a prolonged thumb sucking habit.
9. Any advice on teething?
From six months to age 3, your child may have sore
gums when teeth erupt. Many children like a clean
teething ring, cool spoon or cold wet washcloth.
Most parents have had great results with a chilled
ring where others simply rub the baby’s gums with a
clean finger.
10. When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?
The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your
child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush and
water. Remember that most small children do not have
the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively.
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