Frequently Asked Questions
We have listed below some common queries parents may have on their child’s oral health. For any other clarification, please reach out by clicking the button below.
General Questions
Why are Primary teeth important?
It is very important to maintain good oral health of primary teeth. They are important for proper chewing and eating, providing space for permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and permitting normal development of jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to a good smile. While the front 4 teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back canine and molars aren’t replaced with permanent teeth until age 10-13. Neglected cavities frequently lead to problems which affect development of permanent teeth.
When should I schedule my child’s first visit to the Pediatric dentist?
We recommend that you schedule an appointment with a Pediatric dentist around your child’s first birthday or when the first tooth erupts whichever precedes.
When should my baby’s first teeth start to erupt?
At about 6-8 months, the two lower front teeth (central incisors) will erupt, followed shortly by the two upper central incisors. The remainder of the baby teeth appears during the next 18 to 24 months. At 2 to 3 years, all 20 of the primary teeth should be present.
What causes cavities?
Certain types of bacteria naturally live in our mouths. When these bacteria come into contact with sugary foods on our teeth, they produce acids. These acids attack the tooth enamel and eat through it, creating holes in the teeth, which we call cavities.
At what age is it appropriate to use toothpaste to clean my child’s teeth?
You may start using a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first baby teeth erupt. By 3 to 6 years of age, the amount should be increased to a pea-sized dollop. Parents should supervise brushing to ensure the proper amount of toothpaste is being used.
What’s the best way to clean my baby’s teeth?
Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, we advise you clean his/her gums after feedings with a damp, soft washcloth. As soon as the first tooth appears, you can introduce a toothbrush. Be sure to choose one with soft bristles and a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants. A toothbrush will remove plaque that can lead to decay and should be used at least once a day.
What is “Baby bottle tooth decay”?
Also known as Nursing Caries, Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is caused by over exposure to sugary liquids. It is usually caused by putting a baby to bed with a bottle containing milk, juice, nursing babies through the night, or allowing toddlers to suck on a sippy cup. This condition often destroys primary teeth and will eventually damage your child’s permanent teeth if left untreated.
What should I do if my child sucks his/her thumb or a pacifier?
A majority of children suck their thumbs or fingers as infants, and most grow out of it by the time they start school, without causing any permanent damage. Pacifiers should be discontinued by the age of 2. We advise that you make every effort to wean your child from their sucking habit by the age of 3. If your child continues sucking after permanent teeth erupt, or sucks aggressively, we may recommend a retainer appliance to help them quit the habit.
What should I do if my child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth?
Find the tooth and do your best to hold it by the crown rather than the root. You may gently rinse the tooth with milk, being careful to only touch the crown with your fingers, be sure not to use water. Put the tooth in a glass of milk and take your child and the glass immediately to your Pediatric dentist.
Does your child Grind his/her teeth at Night?
Parents are often concerned about their children grinding their teeth while they sleep (bruxism). Often, the first indication of bruxism is the noise created by the grinding, or, the parent may notice teeth wearing down. Stress due to a new environment, changes at school, etc. can influence a child to grind their teeth. The majority of cases of pediatric bruxism do not require any treatment. If excessive wear of the teeth is present, then a nightly mouth guard may be prescribed.
What Is the best time for Orthodontic Treatment?
Developing bad bites can be recognized as early as 2-3 years of age. Often, early steps can be taken to reduce the need for major orthodontic treatment at a later age.
Stage I – Early Treatment: This period of treatment encompasses ages 2 to 6. At this young age, we are concerned with underdeveloped dental arches, the premature loss of primary teeth, and harmful habits such as finger or thumb sucking.
Stage II – Mixed Dentition: This period covers the ages of 6 to 12, with the eruption of the permanent incisor (front) teeth and 6 year molars. This is an excellent stage to start treatment, as your child’s hard and soft tissues are usually very responsive to orthodontic or orthopaedic forces.
Stage III – Adolescent Dentition: This stage deals with the permanent teeth and the development of the final bite relationship.
What if a child is unable to cooperate for treatment?
We try to help your child feel good about visiting the dentist. For mildly anxious or nervous children, nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”, can be very effective. If a child is especially fearful or suffers from extreme situational anxiety, we may advice sedation or general anaesthesia in order to ensure the safest delivery of the best possible treatment for your child in a more controlled environment.
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