About Us » FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is my child old enough to be seen by a dentist?

A. American Dental Association (ADA) and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend that a child’s initial dental visit occur by his/ her first birthday, or 6 months from the eruption of first tooth. Oral Health Check will also be part of Well-Child Care by their Primary Care Physicians for children under the age of three years.

Q. My child has no teeth or just four teeth with no visible problems. Why should I take my child to the dentist?

A. It's very important to make a connection with the Dentist / Dental Home

Q. At what age do children start to lose their baby teeth?

A. Children can start to lose their baby teeth anywhere between the ages 5 and 7. Some youngsters keep their baby teeth till age 8.

Q. Which baby teeth are the first to fall out?

A. Usually the two front teeth on the bottom are the first teeth to be lost and replaced.

Q. Why should I keep my teeth healthy?

A. Healthy teeth lead to healthy lives. Healthy teeth are needed to eat, to hear, and to speak clearly while sounding out letters and words.

Q. Why are candy and other sugary foods bad for our teeth?

A. Sugar on the tooth surface is changed to acid in 5 minutes. Acid breaks down your teeth and causes decay. That's when cavities occur!

Q. How many times should a child brush his/her teeth each day?

A. We recommend that a child brush his/her teeth at least twice a day. Any extra times are great, especially after the child has eaten sticky foods.

Q. What should I do if I see a bump (abscess) on my child's gum?

A. Call you dentist immediately to schedule an emergency appointment. Don't wait!

Q. What should I do if my child's baby tooth is knocked out?

A. Call your dentist immediately!

Q. What can I do if my child's permanent tooth gets knocked out?

A. Find the tooth immediately and rinse it gently in cool water. Handle the tooth carefully! If you can, replace it in the tooth socket. If you can't, place the tooth in liquid, such as milk, water or saliva and call a dentist immediately!

Q. Why should my young child see a dentist if they are going to loose their baby teeth anyway?

A. This will prevent cavities and infections. Preventive dentistry is very important; it is the key to healthy teeth! Some infections in the baby teeth can harm the adult teeth.

Q. How often and what age should I bring my child to see the dentist?

A. As soon as your child's teeth come in, bring him/her to the dentist to introduce him/her to the office environment. When they get a full set of teeth (1 1/2 to 2 years), they should see a dentist. Bring your child to the dentist every six months!

Q. What is fluoride?

A. Fluoride is a compound that helps to prevent tooth decay. Children ages 6 months to 16 years may require fluoride supplements. Fluoride comes in vitamins, as well as in a paste to apply directly to the teeth.

DO:

  1. Dilute juices before giving them to your child.
  2. Allow your child to brush their teeth by themselves; after that, you brush their teeth.
  3. Give your child vitamins with fluoride daily. (see dentist or pediatrician for prescription)
  4. Consult a dentist if your child has pain in the mouth.
  5. Follow up on all dental visits and instructions.
  6. Encourage your child to eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

DON'T:

  1. Put your child to sleep sucking liquids. (sugar from the liquid clings to the teeth, causing decay)
  2. Assume that pain in your child's mouth will go away.
  3. Allow your child to use other family member's toothbrushes.
  4. Give your child sticky snacks every day.
  5. Ignore any dental discomfort your child experiences.
  6. Ignore healthy dental routines.

KSF is a proud affiliate of The National Children's Oral Health Foundation, Inc. and Montclair Health & Wellness Program

List of Sponsors

The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey • Delta Dental NJ Foundation • Montclair Foundation • Partners for Health • The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey
National Children's Oral Health Foundation • Women Presbyterian • Community Block Grant – Essex County • Henry Schein • GlaxoSmithKline • Individual donors
Arlene Coyle, "The Tooth Fairy" Courtesy of Dental Health Associates, Joins KinderSmile as "Tooth Fairy"
helping to provide oral education to children in a fun and loving way.

The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey