Frequently Asked Questions

The guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry say that kids should see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth has come in.

Early visits help to ensure a positive dental experience for your child and give parents and caretakers guidance on how to keep healthy teeth and avoid cavities.  We focus on patient and parent communication and education to instill healthy habits.

YES!  Baby teeth may be small but they are very important!  They hold space for the new developing permanent teeth and act as a guide for the new teeth to come in.  Baby teeth are important for chewing and speaking clearly, too.

The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a checkup every 6 months, unless there is a reason for a different schedule based on your child's specific situation.

Generally, state and city water is fluoridated, however, in Howard County a lot of people are on a well.  At home water filters may remove some or all fluoride from tap water and you can contact the filter manufacturer or have your water tested if you have a concern.  Bottled water may contain fluoride, depending on where it was bottled and what type of filtration was used in the process of purification.

Thumb and pacifier habits will generally become a problem only if they go on for a long period of time.  Elements such as forcefulness and duration of the habit is important in determining the effect on the development of the teeth and jaws.  If habits go on into the school years when there is eruption of the permanent teeth, then we may recommend a habit reminder or a visit with the orthodontist.

Dental x-ray technology has advanced since the time when most of us were kids.  With the advent of digital radiography the exposure is nominal.  Nonetheless, as pediatric dentists we  are especially careful to avoid unnecessary exposure so we also use a shield for any x-ray taken.

You can help your child develop great habits by helping your child brush twice a day and floss once a day.  Seeing you brush, floss, and generally taking care of your teeth also gives your child a role model to follow.  Limiting juice, milk, soda, candy and certain sugary and carbohydrate rich snacks can also play a big role in avoiding dental decay.  Visiting the pediatric dentist twice a year for a dental exam, cleaning, fluoride treatment, and nutritional review will help get your child a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.

Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque bacteria and help avoid decay.  There are brushes that are specifically designed just for infants.  Brush twice a day, including especially before bedtime.

Before teeth come in, you can clean your infant's gums with a soft infant toothbrush or a clean, moist cloth or gauze.  After teeth start to come in, you can start brushing two times a day with a nonfluoridated toothpaste and a small, soft infant brush.  For kids between the ages of 1 and 2 you can use a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste, half the size of a grain of rice, and for kids 2-5 you can use a pea size amount of toothpaste.  Brush your child's teeth and assist with brushing because it takes a few years before kids are old enough to brush effectively on their own.

Helping your child brush and floss until they are old enough to do it properly on their own is crucial to preventing tooth decay.  Limiting the frequency of juice, milk, soda, candy, and certain snacks also helps prevent cavities from forming.  Visit the dentist twice a year from the time the very first tooth comes in for cleanings, exams, and guidance from the dentist and hygienist to keep a healthy smile for a lifetime.

A mouthguard from a sporting goods store or custom made is the best defense against dental sports injuries.

The most important thing to do is find the tooth.  Try not to touch the root and see if you can immediately push it gently back in place. If it is not possible for you to put the tooth back, then place the tooth in a glass of milk and go directly to the closest emergency room, oral surgeon, or pediatric dentist.

Have your child rinse gently with warm salt water. Place a cold compress on face if it is swollen.  Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) for any pain and  see the dentist as soon as possible.  Avoid aspirin and do not place aspirin on the gums.