Frequently Asked Questions
iKids Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics encourages our guests to stay informed about their children’s dental health. Good dental hygiene is the first step towards beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. We want you to be comfortable and feel confident about the quality of your child’s pediatric dental care, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have. In the dentist FAQ below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions parents ask us about children’s dental care.
As soon as your child gets their first tooth, we recommend that your child see the dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist within 6 months of when their first tooth comes in.
Pediatric dentists continue their education for an additional three years, focusing on academic and clinical training to receive a specialized qualification in oral care for children. Pediatric dentists will use smaller-sized dental instruments and equipment that are precise in treatment and comfortable for little mouths. Pediatric dentists are experts on child-specific dental conditions and understand how treatments will affect the development of the child’s oral and overall health.
During your child’s first visit, we will spend most of the time getting to know you and your child and provide basic information about dental health. Your dentists will perform an oral examination to determine the overall health of the gums and baby teeth placement. This exam is done without using instruments and introduces the office as a fun and safe place to visit. If your child has any plaque and tartar build-up, a dental cleaning appointment may be necessary.
Maintaining a positive attitude to prepare your child for their first visit to our office is important. Avoid negative comments or words, so your child is as comfortable as possible when preparing them. Show your child pictures of our office and team members on our website, so they know what to expect upon arriving. It is also important to explain the importance of healthy gums and teeth and how they can practice good oral health before their appointment. You can explain how the dentist helps maintain good oral health so that they know the role of their dentist. Our pediatric specialists and team members are skilled at making children feel welcome and comfortable at our offices during their visits.
We recommend that you schedule checkups for your child every six months. These checkups are especially important for young children transitioning from their baby teeth to their permanent teeth. Our pediatric specialists may suggest more or less frequent visits depending on their oral health.
Your child’s first teeth are crucial for their development because primary teeth help your child chew, smile, and speak correctly. These primary teeth also provide the space needed for permanent teeth. Your child’s oral health can have an impact on their overall health.
Morning and bedtime teeth cleaning is essential, and it is recommended that you clean your infant’s gums with a soft, damp cloth before the first tooth appears. As soon as your baby’s first tooth is visible, you can begin by using a soft toothbrush suitable for babies.
Once your child has a few teeth, you can start adding toothpaste to their toothbrush. You can use a tiny amount of fluoridated toothpaste for each tooth cleaning. After brushing, make sure your child rinses their mouth and spits out the toothpaste. You can continue brushing your child’s teeth until they are ready and able to do so on their own, which usually happens by age six.
Cavities are caused by several types of bacteria that live in our mouths. Acids form when bacteria come into contact with sugary foods left on our teeth after eating. These acids attack the enamel of the teeth and eventually eat away at it, causing cavities.
As a parent, you can help your child avoid cavities by using fluoride toothpaste to brush their teeth twice a day at the least. It is also vital for your child to floss daily to reach areas between teeth that brushing can’t get. Make sure that your child keeps their mouth clean and avoids sugary drinks and snacks. You can also ask your dentist about fluoride supplements which can strengthen tooth enamel and resist tooth decay. Finally, schedule regular appointments to ensure your child receives professional teeth cleanings and routine oral health checks.
Dental sealants are used to cover or “seal” teeth that are hard to clean and susceptible to tooth decay. Sealants are a simple, safe, and effective way for your child to avoid cavities. We recommend sealants for molars, especially because they are most difficult to reach when brushing or flossing.
If your child is involved in contact sports, we recommend they wear a mouth guard for protection. Ask us about a custom-fitting mouth guard to protect your child’s teeth, gums, cheeks, and lips if they play any contact sport.
The majority of children that suck their fingers or thumbs are infants. Most children grow out of this habit by age four without causing any permanent damage to their teeth. If your child continues the habit after their permanent teeth have erupted, schedule an appointment with us so that we can check to see if any problems may arise from the behavior.
X-rays are essential because they can show cracked teeth, bone damage, cavities, and signs of oral pathology and infection. Also, there are other conditions that x-rays can pick up that can’t be seen during a regular oral examination. Modern X-ray machines are safe and help our pediatric dental specialists better determine your child’s oral health.