Pediatric Dental FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about pediatric dental care.

When should my child first visit the dentist?

We recommend scheduling your child’s first dental appointment as their first tooth appears, ideally by their first birthday, as suggested by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

How is a pediatric dentist different?

Pediatric dentists have additional years of training beyond dental school that focus on the unique dental needs of infants, children, and adolescents. This includes specialized knowledge in child development and behavior management, creating a child-friendly environment in our office.

What happens during the first visit?

The initial visit is brief; it primarily allows us to get acquainted with your child and provide basic dental care tips. We’ll check your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw, perform a gentle cleaning if needed, and address any of your questions.

How to prepare for their first visit?

Maintain a positive outlook about dental visits when discussing them with your child. Familiarize them with our office through pictures on our website and reassure them that the dentist is here to keep their teeth healthy.

How often should my child visit the dentist?

We typically recommend dental checkups every six months, though some children might need more frequent visits depending on their oral health.

Why care for baby teeth if they fall out?

Baby teeth play a critical role in speech development, chewing, and holding space for permanent teeth. Maintaining their health is vital to prevent misalignment of permanent teeth and broader health issues.

What is the best way to clean my baby’s teeth?

Before teeth erupt, clean your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings. Once teeth appear, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoridated toothpaste to clean teeth.

When to start using toothpaste?

Begin using a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) once your child has several teeth, around age two or three. Encourage spitting out toothpaste after brushing to avoid swallowing excess fluoride.

What causes cavities, and how can I prevent them?

Cavities occur when bacteria in the mouth interact with sugary residues from food, creating acids that erode tooth enamel. Prevent cavities by ensuring your child brushes twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flosses regularly, limits sugary snacks, and visits the dentist regularly.

Does my child need dental sealants?

Sealants are highly recommended for children as they protect the grooves of the teeth, which are hard to clean and prone to decay, especially the back molars.

How to protect teeth during sports?

For children in contact sports, we recommend a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect their teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums from injury.

Thumb sucking: What should I do?

Most children stop thumb sucking on their own by age four. If your child continues or sucks aggressively after permanent teeth appear, please consult us for advice.

When are dental X-rays needed?

X-rays are generally recommended at about age two or three, with more regular X-rays once the back baby teeth begin touching. For children at high risk of dental issues, earlier or more frequent X-rays may be necessary.