When should my child visit the dentist for the first time?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children visit the dentist for the first time about six months after their first tooth erupts or no later than their first birthday. These appointments are designed to help your child become comfortable in the dental office and ensure that they are growing and developing correctly.

When will my baby start getting teeth?
Babies actually begin to develop teeth in the second trimester of pregnancy (about 16 to 20 weeks). Teeth typically begin to emerge between 6 and 10 months of age. You should begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two adjacent teeth.

Why are primary teeth important?
Primary teeth are critical to maintaining good oral health and proper development. Your child’s primary teeth facilitate:

• Proper speech production and development
• Proper chewing, nutrition and digestion
• Straighter smiles — primary teeth hold the places of the adult teeth
• Excellent oral health

We cannot emphasize enough how important it is that you take good care of your child’s primary teeth. Please make an appointment with our team if you have questions.

How often should my child visit the dentist? 
After your child’s first dental visit, our team will help you schedule regular visits with our pediatric dentist. Your child should visit the dentist every six months, or twice a year. If your child is more prone to dental problems, we may recommend more frequent visits as needed.

How do I care for my child’s teeth?
Your child’s teeth are important to their overall health and development. Here are a few tips on caring for your child’s teeth:

• Have your child brush their teeth at least twice a day.
• Help your child floss daily.
• Bring your child to visit the dentist regularly.
• Ask our pediatric dentist about preventive care, such as sealants and fluoride.
• Help your child maintain a nutritious and balanced diet.
• Make sure your child wears a mouth guard if they play sports.

My child sucks their fingers. How can I help them break this habit?
Thumb and finger sucking is normal in children under age 4. Most children will stop sucking on their own between the ages of 2 and 4, but if the habit persists, it can cause damage to the teeth and oral development. Our pediatric dentist and team can provide strategies to help your child stop sucking their fingers or pacifier. These strategies may include oral appliances, as well as things to try at home, such as putting a glove or a sock over the fingers or creating diversions to distract your child from sucking their fingers. Please contact us for more information.

How do I care for my baby’s teeth?
You should clean your infant’s teeth daily. Before the teeth erupt, use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe their gums and remove any lingering formula or milk. Begin brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as the teeth erupt. Use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of child-safe toothpaste for children under the age of 2. After age 2, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Help your child clean their teeth at least twice a day. We recommend brushing and flossing your child’s teeth for them until about age 7.

How do I care for my baby’s oral health while pregnant?
Your oral health while pregnant is one of the determining factors of your baby’s dental health in the future. When pregnant, you should follow your regular oral healthcare routine, including receiving dental cleanings and exams. We recommend that you schedule a dental health checkup when you first learn of your pregnancy, as well as a second prenatal dental health checkup six months after your first appointment. Address all dental concerns immediately, even if they seem insignificant, and practice good oral hygiene throughout your pregnancy.

What is xylitol?
Xylitol is a natural substance that works to reduce and prevent cavities. It is especially effective for children, teenagers and individuals with special needs. Xylitol is found in many fruits and vegetables, including berries, mushrooms, corn and lettuce, and is also available in the forms of a concentrate, a gum and a sugar substitute. It works to neutralize acids in the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities and providing additional protection for the teeth. Xylitol may be consumed by children and teens, as well as by pregnant and expecting mothers to boost their child’s oral health.

Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes! Dental X-rays are very safe for children, and our pediatric dentist and team will make every effort to ensure that your child remains safe and comfortable when visiting our office. Advances in technology and the dental field continue to make dental X-rays safer through digital imaging technologies and higher-speed X-rays.

My child has damaged a tooth or developed a tooth infection. Are treatments for these problems available for children?
Yes. If your child damages a tooth or develops a tooth infection, our pediatric dentist can provide treatments to restore their tooth, smile and oral health. We will examine your child’s mouth to determine which treatment or combination of treatments will provide the best result and create a customized treatment plan to meet your child’s needs.