Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should my child first visit the dentist?
A: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that infants be seen by a dentist by 6 months or after the eruption of the first primary tooth and by no later than age 1.
Q: How often should I take my child to the dentist?
A: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental check-up at least twice a year for most children. Some children need more frequent visits because of increased tooth decay, unusual growth patterns or poor oral hygiene.
Q: What happens during my child's dental check-up?
A: The dental professionals will review the child's medical and dental history, examine their teeth, oral tissues and jaws, and perform a head and neck examination. Brushing and flossing techniques will be introduced to the child and guardian at each appointment. All teeth will be cleaned and polished and typically a fluoride treatment will be given to the child. After the exam, all findings will be discussed.
Q: Are x-rays taken on my child at each appointment?
A: No. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends x-rays only as necessary. The dental professional will discuss the need for x-rays before they are taken. The mouths of children are growing and changing rapidly and they are more susceptible to tooth decay. Therefore, children need x-rays taken more often than adults.
Q: Why is it important to treat cavities in "baby" teeth when they are going to fall out anyways?
A: Primary or "baby" teeth are extremely important to your child's present and future dental health. The baby teeth save space for the permanent teeth and encourage normal development of the jawbones and muscles. In addition, some baby teeth are not replaced by permanent teeth until a child is 12-14 years of age. If tooth decay is left untreated, it can worsen and begin to cause pain for your child. In addition, untreated decay in a baby tooth may affect the development of a permanent tooth.
(Kids Dental Care Questions, n.d.)
A: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that infants be seen by a dentist by 6 months or after the eruption of the first primary tooth and by no later than age 1.
Q: How often should I take my child to the dentist?
A: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental check-up at least twice a year for most children. Some children need more frequent visits because of increased tooth decay, unusual growth patterns or poor oral hygiene.
Q: What happens during my child's dental check-up?
A: The dental professionals will review the child's medical and dental history, examine their teeth, oral tissues and jaws, and perform a head and neck examination. Brushing and flossing techniques will be introduced to the child and guardian at each appointment. All teeth will be cleaned and polished and typically a fluoride treatment will be given to the child. After the exam, all findings will be discussed.
Q: Are x-rays taken on my child at each appointment?
A: No. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends x-rays only as necessary. The dental professional will discuss the need for x-rays before they are taken. The mouths of children are growing and changing rapidly and they are more susceptible to tooth decay. Therefore, children need x-rays taken more often than adults.
Q: Why is it important to treat cavities in "baby" teeth when they are going to fall out anyways?
A: Primary or "baby" teeth are extremely important to your child's present and future dental health. The baby teeth save space for the permanent teeth and encourage normal development of the jawbones and muscles. In addition, some baby teeth are not replaced by permanent teeth until a child is 12-14 years of age. If tooth decay is left untreated, it can worsen and begin to cause pain for your child. In addition, untreated decay in a baby tooth may affect the development of a permanent tooth.
(Kids Dental Care Questions, n.d.)