Common Questions & Tooth Facts |
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:
- dilute juices before giving them to your child.
- allow your child to brush their teeth by themselves; after that, you brush their teeth.
- give your child vitamins with fluoride daily. (see dentist or pediatrician for prescription)
- consult a dentist if your child has pain in the mouth.
- follow up on all dental visits and instructions.
- encourage your child to eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
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DON'T:
- put your child to sleep sucking liquids. (sugar from the liquid clings to the teeth, causing decay)
- assume that pain in your child's mouth will go away.
- allow your child to use other family member's toothbrushes.
- give your child sticky snacks every day.
- ignore any dental discomfort your child experiences.
- ignore healthy dental routines.
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