FAQ

Why are primary teeth important if they’re just going to fall out?

Baby teeth, are very important to your child’s health and development. The front teeth fall out at 6-7 years of age, however, primary molars will not be replaced until age 10-13. Primary teeth are important not only for proper chewing and eating, but also in maintaining space for permanent teeth.

Avoiding cavities on primary teeth is important as the loss of tooth structure may cause adjacent teeth to migrate forward and reduce the amount of space available for permanent teeth.

At what age should I bring my child to the dentist for the first time?

Children should see a dentist six months after the first tooth comes in and at least by his or her first birthday according to American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP).

Why is it Important to have continuing care appointments every six months?

Bi annual exams allow your pediatric dentist to monitor growth and development, provide early detection of tooth decay, and establish guidelines to help maintain a healthy mouth.

How Do I Prevent Cavities?

A combination of factors play a role in cavity formation. While there may be a genetic component that makes a child more prone to tooth decay, good oral hygiene and healthy eating habits can keep your child cavity free. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day removes bacteria and plaque from the surface of the tooth. It is important that parents help their child in brushing and flossing until at least 6 years of age. The following dietary recommendations can help you child maintain healthy teeth:

  1. Avoid frequent snacking. Children should wait at least two hours between each meal or snack and drink only water during this time. Choose non-sticky, non-starchy, non-sugary snacks. Fruit snacks, gummy bears, fruit leather, and raisins are very sticky and are not recommended for daily consumption.
  2. Try to encourage your child to eat more balanced meals, so they will not snack as frequently.
  3. Chips, crackers and all starchy snacks turn into sugar inside the mouth and should be avoided.
  4. Good snacks include fresh fruits, cheese, nuts and vegetables.
  5. Limit juice and sugary drinks to once a day at meal time. Diluting juice or milk does not help prevent cavities.
  6. Sippy cups should only be used for water.

Is there any kind of food that prevents tooth decay?

Not really. Some people believed that chewing foods like apples and carrots may have some plaque removal effect, but they still contain some sugar so any advantage is not clear.

When Will My Baby Start Getting Teeth?

Baby teeth begin their formation prior to birth. Eruption of these teeth can vary from child to child. The first primary (or baby) teeth to erupt are the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors. All 20 primary teeth have usually erupted by age 3.
Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. It is important for parents to know that the first molars will come in behind the second primary molar (No baby tooth will be replaced and fall out).

 

 

What is the Best Time for Orthodontic Treatment?

Developing malocclusions, or bad bites, can be recognized as early as 2-3 years of age. Often, early intervention can reduce the need for major orthodontic treatment at a later age. Pediatric dentists receive specialized training in growth and development and will monitor your child’s bite as they grow. Your pediatric dentist will keep you informed on the best time for orthodontic treatment.