PEDIATRIC DENTIST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Primary teeth, or baby teeth, serve many important purposes for children. It is important to start good oral health habits when your child is young to protect their baby teeth and help maintain lifelong good oral health. The best way you can help your child maintain healthy teeth and meet their unique oral health needs is to be informed. Here are some frequently asked questions about pediatric dentistry:

When should I take my child to the dentist for their first check up?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) a child should see a dentist for the first time within six months after the first tooth comes in. This is usually before the child reaches their first birthday. After your child’s first teeth come in, the earlier they start seeing the dentist regularly the better. Not only will you be on top of developing your child’s oral hygiene habits, your child is less likely to be afraid of the dentist and develop anxiety around their regular dental visits.

What should I use to clean my child’s teeth?

To clean your child’s teeth you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head. There are toothbrushes designed specifically for infants. Just like for your teeth, a small toothbrush will remove plaque from the teeth that can lead to tooth decay. Teeth should be brushed at least once a day at bedtime. Baby teeth are softer than adult teeth and may be more prone to decay and infection. To avoid dental issues early in life, it is important to help your child develop healthy oral habits at a very young age, including brushing daily.

Are baby teeth really that important?

According to the AAPD, baby teeth, serve many important purposes in your child’s mouth. These first teeth help children learn to chew food, speak properly, as well as maintain the spacing and structure of their mouth as they grow.

How often does my child need to see the dentist?

Just like for adults, it is recommended that children have a regular dental check-up every six months to prevent cavities and tooth decay. While they may not have all of their teeth, baby teeth are more prone to decay than adult teeth. Further, it is important to teach your child the value of seeing a dentist regularly and develop this good habit.

Should I take my child to see a pediatric dentist?

Just like having a pediatrician for your child’s health needs, it is important to have a good dentist for your child’s dental needs. While a general dentist in a family dentistry may have experience in providing care to young patients, a pediatric dentist has completed additional training and coursework to develop expertise in providing specialized dental care to children. This additional 2-3 years of training is focused on techniques to work with children as patients and to perform dental treatments on young patients. A pediatric dentist office will be child-focused with a waiting room with toys, books, or a play area and exam rooms geared to make young patients comfortable.

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