When bringing your child to a dentist for kids, remember that questions are always welcome. We enjoy speaking with parents and our young patients about oral health and are always happy to answer questions about tooth development. It is common for parents to wonder what is normal and what is not. Rather than being worried, we suggest scheduling an appointment and addressing any issues or concerns so that we can provide clarity and guidance. Some of the questions we hear on a regular basis include:
Teething can be quite painful for a child and there are several ways to handle it. Parents can give a teething baby a cool wash rag to suck on, which will provide some relief to the gums. Additionally, the numbing gel that is sold over-the-counter is perfectly safe when used as directed.
A child needs to brush their teeth twice a day just like an adult. Children are just as susceptible to decay. Even toddlers require regular teeth brushing. Just use a toothbrush that is the correct size for their mouth and help them to brush.
Children typically cannot floss on their own but we recommend doing so with the help of parents. Flossing once a day is important for removing any food or plaque that has formed in between the teeth.
What a child eats or drinks are important to their overall health. We recommend avoiding soda, juice that is high in sugar, candy and anything with a low pH level. Foods that are highly acidic will erode the enamel and make teeth more susceptible to decay and damage.
As a dentist for kids, we get a lot of calls about loose teeth. While they are perfectly normal, and baby teeth should fall out, the process can be alarming for parents and children. We typically advise to give it a few days, continue wiggling it and let the tooth fall out on its own. However, if there is discomfort or bleeding, we can remove the tooth quickly. Just bring them in for this fast appointment.
In many cases, teeth will adjust on their own as a child grows. Permanent teeth can come in before the jaw has grown and developed so it is normal for overcrowding when people are young. However, an early orthodontic intervention such as oral appliances can help to create more space in the mouth so that there is less risk of this. Additionally, we can make recommendations for orthodontic care.
It is normal to have discomfort during the teething process. However, a child's tooth should not hurt after this. If it does, this is typically a sign of decay or an infection and they should be brought into our clinic immediately. It is far better to identify and treat small portions of decay rather than letting it spread into an infection that could require serious intervention like a root canal or an extraction.
Bring your child to our office today.
If your child’s tooth is knocked out, a pediatric dentist can help you choose the right plan of action to minimize long-lasting effects on your child’s smile and dental health. Regardless of whether they unexpectedly lose a baby tooth or a permanent tooth, it is important to visit a dentist as soon as possible. The…
Thinking you should find a dentist for kids because you are currently experiencing difficulty when it comes to getting your kid to the dental office? As a parent, you know how difficult it can be to get your kid to willingly go to all of their dental appointments. You have probably tried everything you can…
Are your wondering if your children need a kids dental specialist? Some children struggle with dental visits, so it may be useful to see a specialist who understands their needs.A kids dental specialist, also known as a pediatric dentist, participates in additional training to provide oral care services for children. A dentist who specializes in…
Infant teeth care will ensure your baby's dental health as they grow. There is a common misconception that milk teeth, or primary teeth, do not matter that much, but nothing could be further from the truth. Healthy milk teeth create space in the jaw for permanent teeth. They shape the jaw and determine how the…