Frequently Asked Questions

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Pediatrics

Family Dentist vs. Pediatric Dentist: Is there a difference?

A family dentist provides care for patients of all ages, while a pediatric dentist specializes in the unique dental needs of children, offering expertise in early oral health development and treating younger patients with specialized techniques.

When should I take my child to a pediatrician?

You should take your child to a pediatrician for routine health check-ups and whenever you have concerns about their growth, development, or general health.

Teeth

When will my baby start getting teeth?

Most babies start getting their first teeth around 6 months of age, although this can vary slightly from child to child.

Why are primary teeth important?

Primary teeth, or baby teeth, are essential for chewing, speaking, and guiding permanent teeth into their proper positions as your child grows.

I’ve lost a tooth. What are my options for replacing it?

Options for replacing a lost tooth include dental implants, bridges, or dentures, depending on your age, health, and the location of the missing tooth.

Teething: How can I help my child through this painful stage?

To relieve teething pain, you can offer chilled teething rings, massage your child’s gums, or use over-the-counter pain relief products recommended by your dentist.

Thumb sucking: Is it bad?

Thumb sucking is generally harmless for infants, but if it continues past the age of 4, it can affect dental development and alignment.

Permanent teeth: What if one gets knocked out?

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, try to reinsert it gently or keep it moist in milk and seek emergency dental care immediately to improve the chances of saving the tooth.

Grinding of Teeth (Bruxism): Is it common? How long does it last?

Teeth grinding is common in children, especially during sleep, and typically resolves as they grow, but severe cases may require treatment like a mouth guard.

How important are baby teeth?

Baby teeth are crucial for proper speech, nutrition, and the development of healthy adult teeth, making it important to care for them even though they eventually fall out.

Cavities

What is a cavity?

A cavity is a hole in a tooth caused by decay, often due to bacteria breaking down sugars in food, which erodes the tooth’s enamel.

What causes cavities?

Cavities are caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth, producing acids that damage tooth enamel, especially with poor oral hygiene and sugary diets.

What are the signs of a cavity?

Signs of a cavity include tooth sensitivity, pain when eating or drinking, visible holes or dark spots, and bad breath.

What should I do if my child has a cavity?

If your child has a cavity, schedule a visit to the dentist for a check-up and to discuss the appropriate treatment, such as a filling.

How can I prevent cavities?

Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, limiting sugary foods, and visiting the dentist regularly can help prevent cavities.

How can I help prevent cavities in my child?

Encourage your child to brush and floss daily, limit sugary snacks, and take them for regular dental check-ups to help prevent cavities.

Cavities: What causes tooth decay?

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in plaque that feed on sugars from food, producing acids that wear down tooth enamel.

Should cavities in baby teeth be filled?

Yes, cavities in baby teeth should be filled to prevent infection, maintain proper chewing function, and ensure healthy development of permanent teeth.

Are cavities common in children?

Yes, cavities are quite common in children, especially if they have poor dental hygiene or frequent exposure to sugary foods and drinks.

What happens if a cavity is left untreated?

If left untreated, cavities can grow larger, leading to tooth infections, pain, and possibly tooth loss.

Can fluoride help prevent cavities?

Yes, fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay, which is why it’s included in toothpaste and many water supplies.

Hygiene

How often should I brush and floss?

You should brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once daily to maintain good oral hygiene.

Why is it important to use dental floss?

Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gumline, areas that are brushing alone may miss, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease.

Why do I need to floss?

Flossing is essential for removing debris and plaque from areas that a toothbrush can’t reach, helping to reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Toothbrush: Safe for my baby’s teeth?

A soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants is safe for cleaning your baby’s teeth and gums, even before their first tooth appears.

Dental Visits

Why should I visit the dentist regularly?

Regular dental visits help detect and prevent oral health issues early, ensuring healthy teeth and gums for life.

How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?

It’s recommended to have a dental exam and cleaning every six months to maintain optimal oral health.

How safe are dental X-rays?

Dental X-rays are generally safe, especially when modern techniques and protective measures like lead aprons are used to minimize exposure.

I’m terrified of visiting the dentist — what can I do?

If you're anxious about visiting the dentist, talk to your dentist beforehand about your fears; they may offer relaxation techniques or sedation options to help you feel more comfortable.

When should my child visit the dentist for the first time?

Your child should visit the dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears to establish a dental home early on.

How early should I take my child to the dentist?

It’s recommended to take your child to the dentist by age one or when their first tooth erupts to start early oral health care.

How often should my child see the dentist?

Your child should see the dentist every six months, starting at age one, for regular check-ups and cleanings.

What happens at our first visit?

At the first visit, the dentist will assess your child's oral health, clean their teeth, and provide advice on proper care.

Why is it important to keep my child’s primary teeth healthy?

Healthy primary teeth help with chewing, speech development, and ensure proper spacing for adult teeth.

Treatments & Procedures

Is sedation safe for children?

Sedation is generally safe for children when administered by a qualified dentist, and it can help children feel more comfortable during dental procedures.

Sealants: How do they work?

Dental sealants are a thin coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to protect them from cavities by preventing food and bacteria from getting trapped in the grooves.

Is anesthesia safe for my child?

Anesthesia is safe for children when used appropriately by a trained professional, ensuring comfort during dental procedures.

Is fluoride safe for children?

Fluoride is safe for children in the right amounts, and it helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening enamel.

How is fluoride applied?

Fluoride can be applied topically during dental visits as a gel, foam, or varnish, or your child can use fluoride toothpaste at home.

Should I use fluoride toothpaste for my child?

Yes, fluoride toothpaste is recommended for children to help prevent cavities, but make sure to use a pea-sized amount and supervise brushing.

Are there alternatives to fluoride for cavity prevention?

Alternatives like calcium phosphate, xylitol, or regular dental visits for cleanings and exams can also help prevent cavities, but fluoride remains the most effective preventive measure.

Scheduling

How often should I schedule dental appointments?

You should schedule dental appointments every six months to maintain good oral health for you and your family.

What information do I need when scheduling an appointment?

When scheduling an appointment, have your insurance details, contact information, and any specific concerns or medical history ready.

What should I expect during my first visit?

During your first visit, the dentist will conduct a thorough exam, clean your teeth, and discuss any necessary treatments or recommendations.

Can I schedule multiple family members at once?

Yes, we can often accommodate multiple family members for appointments at the same time, making your visit more convenient.

Can I drop my child off for an appointment?

For younger children, we recommend accompanying them during the appointment to ensure their comfort and well-being.

At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends scheduling an orthodontic screening for your child by age 7 to catch any potential issues early.

Can I book an appointment online?

Yes, you can conveniently book appointments online through our website or by calling our office.

Financing & Insurance

Do you offer any financing?

Yes, we offer flexible financing options to help make dental care affordable for you and your family.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept most dental insurance plans. Please contact our office for more details on coverage.

What if I don’t have dental insurance?

We offer affordable payment plans and financing options for patients without insurance to ensure you can still receive the care you need.

What services are usually covered by dental insurance?

Dental insurance typically covers preventive care, such as exams, cleanings, and sometimes fillings, crowns, and orthodontics, depending on your plan.

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