common questions
Questions Wrangled, Answers Tamed
We’ve rounded up our most common inquiries about the wild frontier of dental health and corralled tidy answers to keep you in the know.
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When should I bring my child in for their first visit?
Following the wisdom of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, it’s recommended to saddle up and visit a pediatric dentist when your little one’s first tooth shows, or certainly by their first birthday.
Can I stay with my child during their visit?
Howdy Pediatric Dentistry is delighted to have parents join their little ones during dental visits – in fact, we encourage it whenever possible! We reckon it’s the best way to create a cozy, easy, and safe dental haven for young’uns and their kinfolk.
Why should my child see a pediatric dentist instead of our regular family dentist?
A pediatric dentist is like a trail guide dedicated exclusively to young wranglers. After working through dental school, a pediatric dentist saddles up for an extra two to three years of special training. This isn’t your ordinary ride—it’s advanced education of dental know-how, fine-tuned for your little buckaroo’s oral health. With this specialized training and a keen understanding of children’s dental needs, they’re equipped to handle the entire range of your child’s oral health, from the first tooth to the grand adventures of growing up.
Can thumbsucking be harmful to my child's teeth?
Thumb and pacifier-sucking habits usually aren’t a bother unless they linger like a stubborn tumbleweed. While most young’uns kick these habits on their own, if they last beyond the age of three, it might be time for a sit-down with a pediatric dentist for some good ol’ advice.
What are dental sealants, and how do they work?
Dental sealants are thin coatings painted on the back teeth’s (molars) chewing surfaces. These work like a trusty shield, helping to keep cavities away for years by warding off pesky germs and food bits.
How much toothpaste should we use, and when should we start?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends starting the brushing journey for baby teeth with a ‘tiny smear’ of fluoride toothpaste, using a soft, child-sized brush. As your young buckaroo ages from 3 to 6, AAPD suggests a switch to a ‘pea-sized’ amount. Dr. Shaffer, our trail guide in dentistry, assesses each little wrangler’s ‘cavity risk’ personally, rustling up customized recommendations for fluoride use.
When do the first teeth start to erupt?
A baby’s first teeth usually start to make their debut around six months of age. However, don’t be surprised if those little pearly whites decide to ride into town a bit earlier or later – every young buckaroo has their own schedule in this dental frontier!
How can I help my child through the teething stage?
Sore gums are a normal part of the process when those teeth start stampedin’ in. To help your young buckaroo through the teething stage, you can offer a cool, clean cloth to gnaw on, or a teething ring for some extra comfort. Your local pharmacy might also have some remedies you can massage on the gums to reduce the discomfort.
If my child gets a cavity in a baby tooth, should it still be filled?
Primary, or ‘baby,’ teeth are like trailblazers in the oral frontier and even though they are just passing through, they play a crucial role in guiding the permanent ones. Some baby teeth stick around until a child is 12 or even longer and neglecting them can stir up quite a ruckus – from pain and gum infections to general health hitches and losing teeth before their time. Additionally, tooth decay can spread from baby teeth to permanent ones, so filling up that cavity can keep your child’s grin on the right trail and avoid mischief down the line.