CHILDREN'S DENTISTRY FAQ

What should I use to clean my baby's teeth?

Infant toothbrushes are easily available.  They are soft bristled, small headed and designed to remove plaque.  Brushing once a day is a great start to a lifetime of healthy dental habits.

When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?

Best practices and research shows, your child is in the best position for prevention of problems if his or her first visit to the dentist is before his or her first birthday.  The other way to remember to schedule a visit is within the first six months after the first tooth appears.

How do I find a pediatric dentist in my hometown?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists maintains a current list of board certified, accredited, and practicing winston salem pediatric dentists.

Are baby teeth really that important to my child?

The first set of teeth is important for a number of reasons that range from speech to chewing to spacing of teeth.

What should I do if my child has a toothache?

Give the dentist’s office a call to schedule an appointment.  Before the appointment, try to have your child rinse with warm salt water.  If your child’s face is swollen, a cold compress can decrease the swelling and reduce the pain.  If your child needs more pain relief, acetaminophen is the best anti-inflammatory choice.

How can I prevent decay caused by nursing?

When children fall asleep with anything other than water in their mouth, tooth decay can result from the sugars left behind.  The next step is to brush your child’s teeth before bed.  Regular dental appointments will ensure that their teeth and gums monitored.

How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?

Just like your teeth, your child’s teeth should be checked every six months.  You and your child’s dentist can discuss individual oral health and determine if more frequent visits are necessary.

Toothpaste: when should we begin using it and how much should we use?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists encourage using toothpaste sooner rather than later.  Infant toothbrushes will help you care for your baby’s gums from birth.  Once your children start to grow teeth, a small amount of fluoride toothpaste on an appropriate toothbrush is ideal in the morning and in the evening.  As your child reaches three to six years of age, then the amount of toothpaste can increase slightly, and his or her brushing habits will improve with supervision and assistance.

How do I make my child's diet safe for his teeth?

The best diet for a child or an adult is a well-balanced one; a diet rich in vegetables and proteins and limited sugar is ideal from protecting all teeth from decay.  The dentist may have some suggestions of foods to encourage or foods to limit.

how do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?

The pediatric dentist can evaluate the fluoride in your drinking water.  If there is not enough present in that source, then the dentist may prescribe supplements or have alternative suggestions to improve your child’s fluoride exposure.

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