Pediatric Dental Care FAQs

Common questions & answers for the best way to care for your kid’s teeth.

Q. When Should I Schedule My Child’s First Visit To The Dentist?

We suggest that you make an appointment to visit our dental team once your child gets his or her first tooth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that children be seen by a dental practitioner six months after their first tooth emerges, or at one year of age, whichever comes.

Q. What Happens During My Child’s First Visit To The Dentist?

The first visit is usually short and basic. We focus on getting to know your child and offering you some fundamental information about oral care. Dr. Geoffrey Froning will inspect your child’s teeth for placement and health, and will look for any potential problems with the gums and jaw. If necessary, we may do a bit of cleaning. We will respond to any concerns you have about how to look after your child’s teeth as they develop.

Q. How Can I Prepare My Child For His First Dental Appointment?

The best preparation for your child’s very first check up with our dental team is to maintain a positive mindset. Kids can sense the emotions of adults, so if you make unfavorable comments about trips to the dentist, you can be sure your kid can develop anxiety for visiting the dentist.

Show your kid images of the office and staff. Help them understand that it’s crucial to keep their teeth and gums healthy, and our office will help him do that. Keep in mind that our staff is specially trained to deal with fear, stress, and anxiety, helping to put your child at ease throughout treatment.

Q. How Often Should My Child Visit The Dentist?

We generally recommend scheduling checkups every six months. Depending on the circumstances of your child’s oral health, we may recommend more frequent visits.

Q. At What Age Is It Appropriate To Use Toothpaste To Clean My Child’s Teeth?

As soon as your child has a couple of teeth, you can begin using tooth paste on the brush. Use just a small amount for each cleaning, and make certain to choose tooth paste without fluoride for kids under two, because too much fluoride can be hazardous for really young kids.

Always be sure to have your child rinse and spit out toothpaste after brushing, to start a lifelong routine they will need when switching to fluoride toothpaste. Children naturally wish to swallow toothpaste after brushing, and swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can cause issues. You must brush your kid’s teeth up until she or he is prepared to take on that obligation, which normally occurs by age 6 or 7.

Q. What Causes Cavities?

Certain types of germs reside in our mouths. When these germs enter contact with sweet foods left behind on our teeth after consuming, acids are produced. These acids attack the enamel on the exterior of the teeth, ultimately penetrating the enamel and creating holes in the teeth, which we call cavities.

Q. How Can I Help My Child Avoid Cavities?

Make sure that your child brushes their teeth at least two times a day with fluoride tooth paste. Flossing everyday is also important, because flossing can reach areas in between the teeth that brushing can’t. Contact our office about a fluoride supplement that helps strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay. Limit sweet foods and drinks, and keep a healthy diet plan. Finally, make routine visits so we can examine the health of your kid’s teeth and supply professional cleanings.

Q. Does My Child Need Dental Sealants?

Sealants cover the pits and fissures in teeth that are difficult to brush and for that reason vulnerable to decay. We advise sealants as a safe, basic method to help your child avoid cavities, specifically for molars, which are hardest to reach.