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…
FAQ Category: Pediatric Dental Questions
HOW SAFE ARE DENTAL X-RAYS?
There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Pediatric 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.
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 pediatric…
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 pediatric dentist will protect your child from injuries to the teeth, face and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD IS GETTING ENOUGH FLUORIDE?
Have your pediatric 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 pediatric dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements.
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.
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 pediatric dentist to help you…
IS MY CHILD TOO ILL FOR THEIR APPOINTMENT?
If your child has a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive coughing, or they were unable to attend school or daycare due to illness on the day of their appointment, we request that you please call us at 972-987-0787 to reschedule. Under these circumstances, the dental visit will not be comfortable for your child and we recommend you give them the…
TOOTHPASTE: WHEN SHOULD WE BEGIN USING IT AND HOW MUCH SHOULD WE USE?
The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. Parents should use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Once children are 3 to 6 years old, then…
HOW OFTEN DOES MY CHILD NEED TO SEE THE PEDIATRIC DENTIST?
A check-up every six months is recommended in order to prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your pediatric dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health.