Questions About Dental Care

Most adults know that they should be brushing their teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. But, when it comes to their child's dental care, the process may be less clear. To help parents, we've put together some answers to common dental care questions.

Do young children need to floss?

Yes! Any time two teeth touch, you need to floss. As soon as your child has two teeth next to each other, you should begin flossing them. Consider setting up a brushing and flossing chart to help you child get used to the daily routine.

What kind of toothpaste should I buy?

Any toothpaste recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) is fine, but keep it simple. Toothpastes with harsh abrasives can damage enamel, so avoid them.

Isn't toothpaste poison?

Large amounts of toothpaste can be dangerous if ingested. Make sure that your child uses only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and that he rinses and spits instead of swallowing the toothpaste.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay happens when teeth are destroyed by a substance called plaque. Plaque forms when starches from the food we eat remains on the teeth. Regular brushing and flossing removes most plaque and helps keep teeth from decaying.

What type of toothbrush is best for kids– manual or electric?

Whichever one your child will use. Some kids love the fun of an electric toothbrush, but the point is to brush, whatever kind of toothbrush he uses.

What are some of the dental problems my child may experience?

• Bruxism – teeth grinding.
• Thumb sucking may cause growth and tooth alignment problems. Most kids stop sucking their thumbs by the age of four.
• Dental carries – tooth rot caused by the pooling of liquids in the mouth (usually in kids who fall asleep with a bottle or cup).

What is a pediatric dentist?

A pediatric dentist specializes in dental care for children. They often have a fun office environment with games for kids to play for the siblings who may come to the appointments.

What is a cavity?

Cavities form when tooth decay attacks and destroys tooth enamel. Cavities must be "filled" in order to prevent further decay and the potential loss of teeth.

What is a papoose board?

A papoose board is actually a way of restraining young children during dental visits. It can be scary for kids, so should be used only when necessary.