How should I clean my baby’s teeth?

A toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head, especially one designed for infants, is the best choice. Brushing at least once a day, at bedtime, will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Mothers and fathers should brush infants’ and young children’s teeth “in a lying down position ” to help control the child while attempting brushing. As soon as teeth appear, brush twice daily using water and a tiny, rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Once your child reaches age three, increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized amount and continue to brush twice daily. Remember to supervise your child’s brushing until they can effectively clean their teeth independently, usually around seven or eight.

At what age should my child have their first dental visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first dental visit occur by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. This early visit allows the dentist to check for potential problems and educate parents on proper dental care for their child.

Why should my child see a pediatric dentist instead of our regular family dentist?

A pediatric dentist specializes in the oral health care of infants, children, and adolescents. They have additional training beyond dental school to provide care for children, including those with special needs. Pediatric dentists deeply understand the growth and development of children’s teeth and jaws, as well as the behavioral management skills necessary to make a dental visit a positive experience.
They can provide various services, from routine checkups and cleanings to more complex procedures such as fillings and extractions. Additionally, they can offer guidance on topics such as thumb sucking, pacifier use, and the proper way to brush and floss your child’s teeth.
Overall, a pediatric dentist has the expertise and experience to provide specialized care for your child’s oral health needs, helping to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles.

What is baby bottle tooth decay, and how can I prevent it?

Baby bottle tooth decay, also known as early childhood caries, is a condition that affects infants and young children when their teeth are exposed to sugary liquids for extended periods. This often happens when infants are put to bed with a bottle filled with milk, formula, juice, or other sweetened beverages. The sugars in these liquids mix with the bacteria in the mouth to form acid, which attacks the tooth enamel and causes decay.

To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, it’s essential to avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle filled with sugary liquids. If your child needs a bottle to sleep, fill it with water instead. Also, limit your child’s intake of sugary drinks, and encourage them to start drinking from a cup as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to start cleaning your baby’s gums and teeth as soon as they appear, and to schedule regular checkups with a pediatric dentist.

Can thumb-sucking be harmful to my child’s teeth?

Yes, thumb-sucking can harm your child’s teeth, especially if it continues past the age of 3-4 years. Prolonged thumb-sucking can cause changes in the growth and development of the teeth, jaw, and palate, leading to problems such as misaligned teeth, overbite, open bite, and speech problems.

If your child continues to suck their thumb after the age of 3-4 years, it is important to gently encourage them or to stop. You can try positive reinforcement, such as offering praise or rewards for not sucking their thumb or providing a substitute, such as a soft toy or blanket, to help them feel comforted.

If necessary, your pediatric dentist can provide additional strategies and recommendations to help your child stop thumb-sucking.

What are dental sealants, and how do they work?

Dental sealants are a plastic protective surfaces of back teeth, where cavities are most likely to occur. The sealant bonds to the grooves and depressions of the teeth, creating a smooth surface that is easier to clean. Applying sealants is quick and painless and involves cleaning the tooth surface, using a special gel to prepare it for the sealant, rinsing the gel off, drying the tooth, and using the sealant material. The material is then hardened with a special light. Sealants can last several years before needing to be reapplied and are an effective way to prevent cavities in children and teens.

If my child gets a toothache, what should I do?

If your child is experiencing a toothache, there are a few things you can do:

• Rinse the affected area with warm salt water to clean the area and help reduce inflammation.
• Use dental floss to gently remove any food or debris stuck between the teeth.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of the affected area to help reduce pain and swelling.
• Give your child an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as their pediatrician directs.
• Contact your child’s pediatric dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to evaluate and treat the toothache promptly, as it may indicate a more serious underlying dental issue that could require prompt attention.

Is my child getting enough fluoride?

Fluoride is essential for preventing tooth decay, and it’s recommended that children get an appropriate amount of fluoride-based on their age and risk of developing cavities. Your child may get fluoride from multiple sources, including toothpaste, mouthwash, tap water, and supplements. In areas where the water supply is fluoridated, drinking tap water can be a significant source of fluoride. You can check with your local water supplier to determine if your water is fluoridated.

To ensure that your child is getting an appropriate amount of fluoride, it’s recommended to talk to your child’s pediatric dentist. The dentist can evaluate your child’s risk of developing cavities and may suggest additional sources of fluoride, such as supplements or a fluoride treatment in the dental office. However, it’s essential to be cautious with the use of fluoride supplements and to follow the dentist’s instructions carefully to avoid overexposure to fluoride, which can lead to dental fluorosis.

How safe are dental X-rays?

Dental X-rays are considered safe when used properly with adequate precautions. The amount of radiation exposure from dental X-rays is low and generally regarded as safe for children and adults. However, to minimize radiation exposure, dentists use lead aprons and thyroid shields to protect the body. This means they will only take X-rays when necessary and use the lowest amount of radiation possible to obtain the required information. If you have any concerns, you can ask your dentistrecautions they take to minimize radiation exposure during dental X-rays.

When do the first teeth start to erupt?

The first teeth, also known as primary or baby teeth, typically erupt between 6 and 10 months of age, although this can vary. The two bottom front teeth (central incisors) are usually the first to come in, followed by the two top front teeth. By age 3, most children have a complete set of 20 primary teeth.

My child plays sports. How should I protect my child’s teeth?

If your child plays sports, protectingom potential injury is essential. is essentialA custom-fitted mouthguard is the best way to protect your child’s teeth while playing sports. A properly fitted mouthguard can absorb and distribute the forces of impact, reducing the risk of injury to the mouth’s teeth, jaws, and soft tissues.

Mouthguards come in different types and sizes, so selecting one that fits your child’s mouth comfortably and is appropriate for the sport they are playing is important. A dentist makes custom-fitted mouthguards and are more comfortable and offer better protection than the standard, over-the-counter mouthguards.
In addition to wearing a mouthguard, encourage your child to follow the game’s rules and avoid using their teeth as tools to open things or chew on non-food items, which can lead to tooth fractures or other oral injuries.

What should I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?

f your child knocks out a permanent tooth, acting quickly is essential. First, try to find the tooth and hold it by the crown (the top part) rather than the root. Next, rinse it gently with water, but don’t scrub or clean it with soap. Thenplace the tooth back into the socket and have your child bite down gently on a clean piece of gauze or cloth to hold it in place. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, put it in a container of milk or saliva and go to the dentist immediately. Time is critical, so seeking dental care within 30 minutes is important to increase the chances of saving the tooth.

How can I help my child through the teething stage?

Teething can be a difficult time for both the child and the parents. Here are some ways to help ease the discomfort:

• Massage the gums with a clean finger: Gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger can provide relief.
• Use a teething ring: Teething rings, whether chilled or at room temperature, can be soothing to your baby’s gums.
• Try a cold washcloth: Soaking a clean washcloth in water and chilling it in the refrigerator before giving it to your baby to chew on can help relieve the pain.
• Offer soft foods: If your child is already eating solid foods, you can try offering soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing, such as mashed sweet potatoes or applesauce.
• Consider over-the-counter remedies: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and inflammation. Always check with your pediatrician before giving your child any medication.

Always monitor your child during teething, as they may be more prone to putting things in their mouth and choking.

I noticed a space between my child’s two upper front teeth. Is this cause for concern?

Many children’s space between their upper front teeth will close as the other front teeth erupt. However, in some cases, there may be a need to evaluate thoroughly with some X-rays and photos,, followed by help with orthodontic treatment. The best course of action is to get an orthodontic evaluation by 6-7 years of age to determine if any treatment is necessary. At Bexar Orthodontists & Pediatric Dentists in San Antonio, TX, we offer a no-charge orthodontic evaluation for children at this age.

If my child gets a cavity in a baby tooth, should it still be filled?

Yes, it is essential to fill cavities in baby teeth. Primary, or “baby,” teeth are essential for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, but they also help in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Neglecting baby teeth can lead to pain, infection of the gums and jaws, impairment of general health, and premature loss of teeth, which can cause problems with speech development, nutrition, and self-esteem. Also, because tooth decay is an infection and will spread, decay on baby teeth can cause underlying damage to the bone or supporting structures. Proper care of baby teeth is instrumental in enhancing the health of your child. Even one cavity in the nerve of a child’s tooth can cause them to grow slower, even be shorter or consider less than they should.

What causes tooth decay?

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is caused by the interaction between bacteria in the mouth and sugars or starches in the diet. When bacteria consume these substances, they produce acid as a byproduct, which can then deteriorate the hard outer layer of the teeth (enamel) and lead to the formation of cavities. Factors contributing to tooth decay include poor oral hygiene, a diet high in sugar and starches, a dry mouth, and certain medical conditions or medications that reduce saliva production.