Read Some Pediatric Dentistry FAQS

A toothbrush removes 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.

To prevent dental problems, your child should see The Kid's Dentist when their first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday.

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years of specialty training following dental school and limits their practice to treating children. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.

Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons. They help children speak clearly and chew naturally and also aid in the formation of a path that permanent teeth follow when they are ready to erupt.

First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give your child acetaminophen for pain, rather than placing Orajel on the teeth and gums. Finally, call The Kid's Dentist as soon as possible.

Thumb and pacifier-sucking habits become a problem when they go on for a very long time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of three, we may recommend a mouth appliance. 

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. Bring your child to The Kid's Dentist regularly to have their teeth and gums checked. The first dental visit should be scheduled by your child's first birthday.

A check-up with The Kid's Dentist is recommended every six months in order to 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.

Starting at birth, you should clean your child's gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, you must start brushing your child’s teeth twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Use a "smear" of toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age.

For the 2-5 year old, dispense a pea-size amount of toothpaste and assist your child with brushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.

Make sure your child eats a balanced diet. They should have one serving each of fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat fish and eggs. Limit servings of sugars and starches to protect your child's teeth from decay. You can also ask us for advice on selecting foods that protect your children's teeth.

Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in your child's teeth, causing cavities. Sealant application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect your child's teeth for many years.

Let The Kid's Dentist evaluate the fluoride level of your child's primary source of drinking water. 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.

Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect your child's teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard from The Kid's Dentist will protect your child from injuries to the teeth, face and provide additional protection from severe injuries to the head.

The most important thing to do is to remain calm. Then find the tooth. 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 The Kid's Dentist.

There is very little risk in dental X-rays. At The Kid's Dentist we are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation.

Bring your child into see The Kid's Dentist beginning with the eruption of their first tooth. Then, we can recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for you to supervise and teach to their children. These home treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.

If your child has deeper, darker stains on their teeth due to injuries or certain medications, a more thorough brightening treatment, such as bleaching or microabrasion, might be required.

Because teenagers start to become responsible for their own diet and nutrition choices, it's important that those choices come from a solid foundation of dental health.