Dental FAQ
What should I use to clean my baby's teeth?
A toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime.
When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?
In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist 6 months after the first tooth appears or no later than his/her first birthday. We can prevent many dental problems by examining the child at an early age and discussing the latest preventive techniques with the parent.
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. Drs. Barnes and McDonnell have two years specialty training following dental school and we limits our practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.
Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.
What should I do if my child has a toothache?
First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums. Finally, call our office as soon as possible.
Are thumbsucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?
Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their digits or a pacifier past the age of 4 years old, we will discuss several techniques to help you and your child discontinue the habit.
How can I prevent decay caused by nursing?
Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child's teeth. Take your child to our office regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The first dental visit should be scheduled by your child's first birthday.
How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?
A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, we can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health.
Toothpaste: when should we begin using it and how much should we use?
Fluoridated toothpaste should be introduced when a child is 2-3 years of age. Prior to that, parents should clean the child's teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. When toothpaste is used after age 2-3, parents should supervise brushing and make sure the child uses no more than a small pea-sized amount on the brush. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.
How do I make my child's diet safe for his teeth?
Make sure your child has a balanced diet, including one serving each of: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat and eggs. Limiting the servings of sugars and starches will also aid in protecting your child's teeth from decay. You can also ask us to help you select foods that protect your children's teeth. The food pyramid is quite helpful for ensuring healthy eating habits and can be found at http://www.mypyramid.gov/.
How do dental sealants work?
Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth that could potentially cause cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years. 80% of dental decay occurs in these pits and fissures of the molars.
How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?
We have information concerning public water fluoride concenrtations in this area. If your child is not getting enough fluoride internally through water (especially if the fluoride level is deficient or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride), then we may prescribe fluoride supplements.
What can I do to protect my child's teeth during sporting events?
Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect a child's teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. We can make a custom-fitted mouthguard that will protect your child from injuries to the teeth and face and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.
What should I do if my child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth?
The most important thing to do is to remain calm. Then find the tooth. If it is intact, quickly rinse it with water and hold it by the crown rather than the root and try to reinsert it in the socket. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk and take your child and the glass immediately to our office. We are on call after hours if needed. Don't reinsert baby teeth. They will only cause problems later.
How safe are dental X-rays?
There is very little risk in dental X-rays. We are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which your children are exposed. We utilize lead aprons and digital X-rays which reduces the radiation dose to a minimum. Digital X-rays reduce radiation dosage by about 70%. Drs. Barnes & McDonnell use the latest in digital radiograph technology.
How can parents help prevent tooth decay?
Parents should take their children to our office regularly, beginning with the eruption of the first tooth. Then we can recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for parents to supervise and teach to their children. These home preventive treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.