Children's Dentistry

When should I first take my child to the dentist?

A good rule of thumb is to take your baby to your family dentist six months after their first tooth erupts. Generally this is when they are about 1 year old.

How important are baby teeth?

Baby teeth are critical to the permanent teeth to follow. Infections can affect the permanent teeth underneath. Baby teeth hold the space for the permanent tooth that will erupt later. A baby tooth that is lost too early can cause the permanent teeth to shift and be out of alignment.

When is my child old enough to brush by themselves?

Until the age of 5, most children do not have the find motor skills necessary to brush their teeth by themselves. Parents need to supervise their child's tooth brushing until they develop the skill to brush their own teeth.

When should I add toothpaste to brushing my child’s teeth?

When your baby's first tooth erupts, start by gently swabbing their gums with a soft cloth. By age one, introduce their toothbrush and begin to brush their teeth with water. As they become skilled at holding their own toothbrush, put a small smear of toothpaste on their brush. By the age of 5 you can begin to put a pea size amount of toothpaste on their brush.

Should I be adding fluoride as a supplement to my children’s drinking water?

Generally children receive the necessary fluoride in their drinking water and from the toothpaste they use. For children on well water, ask your dentist about supplementing with fluoride tablets.

What should I do if my child's tooth is knocked out?

Place your child's tooth in a container of skim milk and rush your child and their tooth to the dentist within an hour of the tooth being knocked out. The sooner you can arrive at your kid's dentist office, the better, for the best successful outcome.

Is it ok if my toddler goes to bed with a bottle?

A child who is put to bed with a bottle of juice, is much more likely to develop cavities. If you feel your child still needs a bottle, make sure that it contains water only.