FAQ | Children’s Dental and Oral Health
As a general dentist, we see all ages. Your child’s mouth, just like the rest of their growing body, changes drastically as they age. Not surprisingly, all these changes bring common questions about children’s dental health. Is my child’s teeth developing normally? Will they need braces? Below are some answers to your questions. We hope you find the answers informational, but please do not consider them medical advice. Only your dentist can give you the best answer about your child’s unique oral health needs.
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When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?
You should start brushing baby’s teeth as soon as the first one appears! In fact, even before you see that first, adorable too, it’s a good idea to wipe baby’s gums with a damp washcloth after they nurse or have a bottle.
When should my child start brushing with fluoride toothpaste?
According to the ADA, baby can use a rice-grain sized smear of toothpaste up to age 3. Your child won’t know how to spit it out at this age, so you don’t want them swallowing large amounts. At age three, use a pea-sized dollop of fluoride toothpaste. Encourage your child to spit it out, but don’t worry if they swallow some.
At what age should my child first visit the dentist?
In the past, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended children have their first visit by age 3. Recently, however, they changed that recommendation to align with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s recommendation: children should see a dentist by age 1 or 6 months after their first tooth erupts. At Munroe Falls Family Dentistry, we regularly start seeing and treating children around age 2 or 3.
How often should my child brush their teeth?
Two minutes, twice a day is the goal! There are many fun phone apps now that set timers to help kids keep going the full two minutes. It’s also a good idea to help your child brush, as they won’t have the motor control needed to brush alone until they are 7-9 years of age.
At what age should my child start flossing their teeth?
As soon as your child gets their first tooth, you should introduce them to floss! Floss sticks are easy to glide on each side of the tooth to get your child used to the sensation and the routine! Use it each time you brush your child’s teeth.
What type of toothbrush is best for my child?
You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush for your child. There are different size heads on toothbrushes made to fit different age groups, too. Follow the age recommendations on ADA approved toothbrushes to ensure the brush doesn’t overwhelm your child’s mouth. If a toothbrush is too big, it could trigger their gag reflex and make brushing an unpleasant experience.
At what age will my child get their first tooth?
All children are different, but the first tooth usually peaks through the gums between 6 to 12 months of age.
Why is my baby grinding their teeth? What should I do?
About 1/3 of babies grind their teeth! Although the sound often upsets parents, babies probably grind their teeth for a couple of reasons. First, new teeth mean a new sensation in baby’s mouth. Grinding, then, is baby’s way of exploring and experimenting with this new addition to their smiles. Second, the grinding may put pressure on sore gums where other teeth are trying to push through. There’s nothing to be done. If the problem really bothers you, though, you should call your dentist.
Why do baby teeth need fillings?
Yes, a baby tooth is going to fall out, but we don’t want it to fall out before it’s time! Baby teeth play a very important role in your child’s development. First, they help save space for the larger adult teeth to erupt. They also guide adult teeth to grow in the right place at the right angle. Second, they help your child learn to speak properly. Third, leaving them untreated could lead to more decay, discomfort, and dental treatment!
My child sucks their thumb and/or uses a pacifier. Will this harm their teeth?
Once your child’s permanent front teeth come in, a thumb-sucking or pacifier habit may harm their oral development. For instance, they may cause changes to the roof of the mouth and/or tooth alignment. Most children stop on their own between the ages of 2 and 4. At Munroe Falls Family Dentistry, we recommend you help your child kick their pacifier use or thumb sucking habit well before their permanent front teeth come in to avoid potential problems.
At what age will my child lose their first tooth?
Again, each child is unique. Usually, though, the first wiggle will occur around age 5 or 6 years of age.
How can I tell if my child needs braces?
Only an orthodontist, a dentist trained in tooth alignment, can fully assess whether or not your child needs braces. Around 7 to 10 years of age, your dentist may suggest your child visit an orthodontist for a full evaluation if any issues are evident.
Why do my child’s permanent adult teeth look yellow compared to their baby teeth?
Teeth have layers. The outer layer is the tooth enamel, and under it resides the dentin. Adult teeth have more dentin than baby teeth. As a result, they look a little more yellow when compared directly next to baby teeth.
Are dental x-rays safe?
Yes! Your child receives more radiation exposure each year from being outside and eating natural foods they do from a full series of dental x-rays!
Why is pop (soda) so bad for my child’s teeth?
Pop, known as soda for those who don’t live in Ohio, contains the two things that help tooth decay develop: sugar and acids! The acid level of soft drinks can dissolve tooth enamel. Your child’s primary (baby teeth) have a thinner layer of enamel than adult teeth, so the acids can cause more damage more quickly. Also, soda’s high sugar content feeds the bacteria in your child’s mouth that cause decay. As a result, soda delivers a one-two punch to your child’s oral health. It makes it easier for bacteria to grow and penetrate the enamel to cause decay.
Learn More About Our Fun Approach to Children’s Dentistry
The entire team at Munroe Falls Family Dentistry puts patients’ comfort above all else. That’s just one reason why kids love their dental visits with us! We use a show, play, do approach to help kids relax. In addition, we know how to relax and have fun right along with them. Whether it’s piling in a chair for a group selfie or letting a little one play dentist on Mom, we find a way to engage children. Finally, we take a strong preventative care approach (read our 10 ways to prevent cavities in your kids).
Nitrous Oxide Is Available for All Treatments
For kids who need extra help relaxing, we offer nitrous oxide with all dental treatments. Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide acts as a mild anesthetic. Your child may report feeling silly, tingly, or floaty while using it. The effects quickly wear off, though, once we turn it off and supply them with some fresh oxygen to inhale.