Ask the Dentist

Ask the Dentist Listed below is our full collection of dental health questions people have sent in. If you have a question about a dental health topic that is not in our list, why not use the 'Ask the Dentist a Question' form to let us know? When should my child first see a dentist? Your child should visit a dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. Establishing good dental and hygiene habits with early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile in the future. Read Answer Do you have any advice on teething? Your child may have sore gums when teeth begin to erupt from six months to age 3. You may want to try a clean teething ring, cool spoon or cold wet washcloth. You may also try rubbing the baby’s gums with a clean finger. Read Answer How can I prevent tooth decay from a bottle or nursing? As your child approaches their first birthday, encourage them to drink from a cup. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle and breast-feeding should be avoided after the first baby tooth begins to erupt. Avoid offering your child juice in a bottle, it is recommended that it be in a cup. Read Answer Why do children lose their baby teeth? Children usually keep their baby teeth until the permanent teeth pushes it out from underneath and replaces the baby teeth. Some children may loose their baby teeth too soon by accident or from dental disease. When a tooth is lost too early, a space maintainer may be recommended in order to make room for permanent teeth that have yet to come in. Read Answer Should I worry about thumb and finger sucking? Thumb sucking is normal for infants as most stop by age 2. Discourage your child after age 4. With prolonged thumb sucking, your child is at risk of developing crowded, crooked teeth or bite problems. Your dentist can suggests ways to manage a prolonged thumb sucking habit. Read Answer When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth? At birth, you can use a soft infant toothbrush and water to clean your child’s gums. Most young children have not yet developed the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively. Assist your child as they learn how to brush their teeth properly. It is recommended that you do not use fluoridated toothpaste until age 2-3. Read Answer Why is preventive dentistry important? Not only does preventive dentistry encourage a healthy smile for your child, it promotes proper chewing, speaking clearly and a better chance for good general health. Following good oral habits at an early age prevents less extensive treatments later. Read Answer What to do if my child is very anxious? Kids Dental offices are designed especially for children and staff receives special training to help calm anxious children during their dental appointments. Our dentists and staff enjoy working with children and ensure the child feels calm, secure and comfortable during dental treatment. Read Answer Why visit the dentist twice a year when my child has never had a cavity? Regular visits to the dentist helps keep your child cavity free. Teeth cleanings remove buildup that is not easily removed by simple brushing and may irritate gums and cause decay. Fluoride treatments renew the content in the enamel and your child’s teeth and helps strengthen your child’s teeth. Proper dental hygiene improves your child’s teeth and gums and overall health. Visiting your dentist allows them to monitor and assess changed in your child’s mouth. They may recommend additional fluoride, changes to their diet or identity potential orthodontic problems and properly address them as the teeth begin to develop in the mouth. Read Answer What types of problems could my baby develop? A substantial concern of dental problems found in young infants is Early Childhood Caries. This is also commonly known as baby bottle tooth decay. Your child is at risk of severe decay when using a bottle during naps or when they continuously nurse from the breast. If you bring your child at a very early age, the better the chance of spotting and preventing dental problems. It is important to develop good dental habits in your child for healthy teeth that will allow them to chew food easily, learn to speak clearly and smile with confidence. Read Answer Will X-rays be taken at every appointment? X-rays are not taken at every appointment. They are only recommended to protect your child’s dental health. X-rays are used to diagnose tooth decay or spot abnormalities in the tooth that are hard to identity. X-rays may also be required when receiving orthodontic treatment. It is best to discuss the need for x-rays with your dentist before they are taken. Read Answer How will the dentist calm my anxious child? Dentists use different methods to help your child feel comfortable during dental treatment. They may utilize a “Tell-Show-Do” method in which the dentist names the dental instrument, shows how the instrument is used and then applies the instrument in treatment. For a shy child, we use a modeling technique that pairs them with a cooperative child of the same age. Praise is the most preferred technique; as your child does something right during a dental visit, pediatric dentists let them know that. For older children, doctor-child communication is often enhanced if parents remain in the reception room. However, infants and younger children may feel more confident when parents are in the treatment room. Read Answer Why all the fuss? Baby teeth fall out eventually out on their own! Baby teeth encourage normal development of the jawbones and muscles in your child mouth. They are also a key indicator for your child present and future dental health. Space maintainers allow space for permanent teeth to be guided into position so your child’s mouth can grow and develop properly. Read Answer What if my child misbehaves during treatment? If your child misbehaves during treatment they may require assertive management to protect him or her from possible injury. Speaking calmly but firmly usually resolves the behavior. At times, gentle restraint of the arms or legs suffices. For an anxious child, they may benefit from mild sedation such as nitrous oxide/oxygen or a sedative. In cases where the child is especially fearful or requires extensive treatment, other methods may be recommended such as general anesthesia. Read Answer Which teeth should be sealed? The surfaces of your teeth are usually kept clean with the natural flow of saliva in your mouth however it does not wash the grooves and fissures. The teeth with the most prevalent risk of decay are the six-year and twelve-year molars. Permanent premolars and primary molars may also benefit from sealant coverage as they contain many grooves and pits. Every child is different, so your dentist will assess your child’s mouth and recommend the proper sealant treatment if necessary. Read Answer What is conscious sedation? The dentist may recommend treatment that requires conscious sedation. This is a management technique that uses medications to assist the child to handle anxiety and cooperate with dental treatment. The types of medications and dosages are carefully selected so they do not cause loss of consciousness in the patient. Read Answer When should preventive dentistry start? Beginning with your child’s first tooth, you should visit your dentist. Learning how to protect and care for you infant’s dental health will help them develop a healthy cavity-free smile. Read Answer How do I know if my child should be sedated? It is recommended that children who are very anxious or young children who do not understand how to cope in a cooperative manner during their dental treatment should be sedated. For some children who have special needs, conscious sedation is often helpful. Read Answer What is the treatment like? The tooth is first cleaned, condition and then dried. Following, the sealant is spread onto the grooves of the tooth and hardened with a special light. Sealant treatments are generally completed in one visit and fairly quick to apply. Read Answer What is preventive dentistry? Kids Dental practices preventive dentistry for children which includes: brushing, flossing, oral habits, orthodontics, parent involvement, proper diet, sealants, dental development, fluorides, sports safety and other related topics. Read Answer Why do you use conscious sedation? Conscious sedation assists in allowing a child to manage and cope with dental treatment. This may also help to prevent injury to the child if he/she moves while receiving treatment and thus promotes a better environment for providing optimal dental care. Your dentist will discuss different options and medications that can be used for conscious sedation that is best for your child. Read Answer What to do before and after a sedation appointment? It is recommended that in order to alleviate potential anxiety in your child, you should try to avoid discussing the dental appointment with your child. Your dentist may recommend instructions regarding fasting from fluids and foods prior to the appointment. After the sedation appointment, your dentist will not discharge your child until he/she is awake, alert and ready to go. It is recommended that children who have undergone sedation rest for the rest of the day under adult supervision. Your dentist will discuss further post-sedation instructions, which will include diet, physical activity, and supervision. Read Answer What role do parents play in prevention? Your dentist will evaluate your child’s dental health and design a program of care. This program includes proper brushing, flossing, healthy diet and if necessary, fluoride recommendations. Practicing early dental hygiene encourages a lifetime of good oral habits for your child. Read Answer What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out? The faster you act, the better your chance of saving the tooth. Using cool water, gently rinse the tooth, if possible replace the tooth in the socket and hold in place with a gauze or washcloth. If the tooth cannot be placed back in the socket, place in a clean container with milk, saliva or water. Go to the dental office immediately. Read Answer What happens in a dental check-up? In addition to reviewing your child’s medical and dental history, your dentist will examine your child’s teeth, oral tissues, and jaw. Your child’s teeth will be cleaned, polished and followed by the application of a fluoride. In addition to keeping you informed and aware of the state of your child’s mouth and teeth, your dentist will talk to your child about different ways to take care of their teeth and keep them motivated to take responsibility for a healthy smile. Read Answer What is enamel fluorosis? Enamel fluorosis is a condition in which your child receives too much fluoride during the years of tooth development. This can result in defects in tooth enamel. Read Answer What are sealants? Your teeth are shaped with grooves and pitted surfaces. Sealants help protect these surfaces especially when chewing. Sealants are made of clear or shaded plastic and generally applied to the back teeth where most cavities are prevalent. Read Answer What if my child has a toothache? Call your dentist and visit the office promptly. To ease your child of any pain, rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress or wrap some ice in a cloth. It is important not to apply heat of aspirin to the sore area. Read Answer If my child has sealants, are brushing and flowing still important? Yes! Sealants are only a part of a whole regime of keeping your child cavity-free. It is important to follow proper brushing, flossing, eating a nutritious diet and regular dental visits in order to achieve a bright, healthy smile! Read Answer What if a tooth is chipped or fractured? Contact your dentist immediately. The quicker you act, the better your chance in saving the tooth, preventing infection and reducing the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse your child’s mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. Read Answer How often should a child see the dentist? The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting a dentist for a check-up at least twice a year for most children. Some children may require more frequent visits if they are at high risk of developing tooth decay, show unusual growth patterns or have poor oral hygiene. Your dentist will recommend the best appointment schedule for your child. Read Answer What about a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture? Go immediately to the emergency room of you local hospital. These can be life threatening. Read Answer Emergency Care- What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out? Contact your dentist as soon as possible. The situation will depend whether your child’s adult teeth have erupted. If not, spacers may be required to maintain room in the mouth to guide the adult tooth into place. Read Answer How much does it cost? Sealant treatments offer valuable decay protection and considered very affordable. Most dental insurance companies cover sealants however they may have some age or specific tooth limitations. It is recommended that you talk with your benefits provider about your coverage and your dentist about the exact cost for the sealant treatment. Read Answer Can dental injuries be prevented? Reduce your child’s risk of oral injury during sports by wearing protective mouth guards. Always use a car seat for young children and make sure everyone else in the car has their seatbelts fastened. Prevent young children from choking on small objects and falls in your home. Protect your child from unnecessary toothaches with regular dental visits and preventative care. Read Answer How long to sealants work? Sealants tend to last for many years if cared for properly. If your child receives sealants, they are most likely protected during their cavity prone years. Sealants last longer if your child practices good oral hygiene and avoids biting hard objects. During routine dental visits, your dentist will check the sealants to see if they need to reapplied or repaired. Read Answer How does a lost baby tooth cause problem for permanent teeth? Losing a baby tooth too soon may cause the teeth beside to tilt or drift into the empty space. Titled or drifted teeth reduce the space in the jaw for permanent teeth. As a result, the permanent teeth may result it crowding or be crooked. This may require extensive orthodontic treatment if not addressed early. Read Answer Why are my child’s teeth discolored? There are a variety of reasons why your child’s permanent teeth may appear to be discolored. Some may have arisen due to trauma to a baby tooth whether it is due to a previous infection, high fevers or prolonged chronic illnesses. High doses of fluoride over a period of time can also cause some white or brown discoloration. Read Answer How do sealants work? Even with proper brushing and flossing, food and bacteria can build up inside tiny grooves and in the pits of some teeth resulting in decay. Sealants act by “sealing out” food and plaque buildup inside these tiny crevices thus reducing the risk of tooth decay. Read Answer What causes discolored teeth? Discolored teeth are characterized by many possible causes. Some of these include, trauma to a tooth, early infection, severe illness that may disrupt proper tooth development and poor oral hygiene all can result in discolored teeth. Read Answer Why is enamel fluorosis a concern? In most mild cases, fluorosis appears as tiny white specks or streaks that are often unnoticeable. In severe cases, enamel fluorosis causes the teeth to discolor or appear brown. In this case, the enamel may be rough, pitted and hard to clean. Visit your dentist to assess this problem. Read Answer How does Kids Dental help prevent dental problems? Your child’s prevention program will include tooth cleaning, polishing and fluoride treatments. Other treatments that could be recommended by your dentist include applying sealants, selecting a mouth guard to prevent sports injuries and early diagnosis of potential orthodontic problems. Read Answer How do you treat discolored spots on teeth? Microabrasion can be used to improve the appearance of discolored spots of teeth. The dentist removes microscopic bits of discolored tooth enamel with an abrasive and mild acid. This is a fairly conservative treatment where the patient generally feels no pain and works bests on surface discoloration. Discuss with your dentist as to which option is best for your child. Read Answer How can I help my child enjoy good dental health? Here are some tips to help your child keep a healthy smile and be cavity free. Brush effectively twice and day with fluoride toothpaste Floss your teeth once a day Eat a healthy diet and beware of frequent snacking of sticky sugary foods. Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups Ensure your child is receiving the proper amount of fluoride through drinking water Read Answer How do you restore a discolored tooth to its natural color? One treatment choice is bleaching. This method does not require anesthetic and keeps the tooth structure intact. Multiple teeth can be bleached in multiple visits to your pediatric dentists. Another option is you pediatric dentist may recommend an at-home bleaching program under supervision. Read Answer What is microabrasion? Dentists carefully rub a compound on the teeth to remove superficial stains and discoloration. Keep in mind that some teeth that have deep irreversible stain or discoloration as the result of trauma or medications such as tetracycline cannot be removed by mircroabrasion. Read Answer What if microabrasion doesn’t work? Although microabrasion is a safe and minimal treatment of discolored teeth, there are other alternatives that your dentist may suggest. These include plastic or porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns. Generally theses options are less affordable and more extensive as they require preparation of your tooth. Discuss with your dentist as to which option is best for you. Read Answer Should I avoid fluorides for my child altogether? Fluoride is important in preventing tooth decay and helps your child keep a healthy smile for a lifetime. Ensure that your child gets enough fluoride but not too much. Your dentist can help determine how much fluoride your child requires. Read Answer How can enamel fluorosis be prevented? Discuss different methods with your pediatric dentist. They can advise you as to how much fluoride is present in your drinking water. In addition, monitor your child’s use of fluoridated toothpaste. The recommended amount that is sufficient for fluoride protection is often a pea-sized amount. It is important to teach your child to spit out the toothpaste and not swallow after brushing. Read Answer Can enamel fluorosis be treated? The appearance of teeth with severe enamel flurorosis can be greatly improved by a variety of treatment in esthetic dentistry. Talk to your dentist about different options for your child. Read Answer How safe is fluoride? Fluoride is proven to be a safe and highly effective method of decreasing the rate of tooth decay. However, it is important to note that for maximum benefit, only small amounts of fluoride are necessary. Using the proper toothpaste amount and other forms of fluoride supplements must be carefully supervised in order to prevent exceeding the amount of fluoride that may cause spots on developing permanent teeth. Read Answer What is topical fluoride? After your child’s teeth have been cleaned, the dental hygienist applies topical fluoride. These come in a variety of forms such as gels and foams and placed on fluoride trays. One of the newer forms of topical fluoride is the fluoride varnish, which has proven to be a safe and effective in preventing dental decay. The fluoride varnish is especially useful in young patients that may not tolerate fluoride trays comfortably. Children who are at high risk for dental decay benefit most from fluoride. Some risk factors include a history of decay, high sucrose carbohydrate diet, orthodontic appliances and some medical conditions. Read Answer What type of toothpaste should my child use? It is recommended that your child use toothpaste with fluoride that is approved by the Canadian Dental Association. It is important that you teach your child not to swallow any toothpaste as this may cause excessive amounts of fluoride to remain in their bodies and exceed the recommended daily amount. Supervise your children while brushing their teeth and only use a small pea-sized amount on the brush. 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