FAQ

• When should I first bring my child to the dentist?

A child's first visit should be between one and two years of age. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (aapd.org) recommends children start early with the dentist to catch potential problems early and get children in a good preventative program.

• Why should I have treatment done on a baby tooth?

Baby teeth are important for

• Proper eating
• Speech
• Self confidence
• Alignment of following permanent teeth

Untreated problems in baby teeth can lead to pain, infection, swelling, and needless suffering for your child.

Also the front eight baby teeth come out between five and seven years of age. The back twelve teeth stay into twelve or thirteen years. Untreated decay on a back tooth in a four year old patient unfortunately is on a tooth that may be present for another eight years.

• What can I do to help prevent my child from getting cavities?

Supervised brushing for all children until seven or eight years old and supervised flossing until ten years old is a must. The best time to help your child is before they go to bed.

Fluoride supplements and rinses (as recommended by your dentist) are proven and very effective in decreasing the chance of cavities.

Sealants are plastic resins which can protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealants are also a proven and very effective preventative procedure.

Limit your child's consumption of sugary drinks and snacks.

Take your child to the dentist every six months for preventative visits

• Professional cleanings
• Oral hygiene evaluation
• Cavity and development checks
• Professional strength fluoride application

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