We know you care about your children’s teeth and want to make sure they have a good experience with children’s dentistry in Belmont MA. Positive dental experiences can help ensure your child embraces a lifetime of good oral health habits. Today we’re answering some of the top questions our patients have about our pediatric dental services.
What should I use to clean my baby’s teeth?
Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime.
When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?
In order to prevent any dental issues, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.
What is the difference between children’s dentistry in Belmont MA and a family dentist?
A pediatric dentist has two to three years of specialty training following dental school.
Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
Not only do baby teeth help children speak clearly and chew naturally, but they also help form a path permanent teeth can follow when they erupt.
What should I do if my child has a toothache?
First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for pain and see a dentist as soon as possible.
Are thumb-sucking and pacifiers harmful to a child’s teeth?
Thumb and pacifier sucking will usually only become a problem if it continues for a long period of time. Most children are able to stop on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of three, a mouth appliance may
be recommended.
How often should my child see the pediatric dentist?
A check-up every six months is recommended in order to prevent cavities and other dental problems.
When should we begin using toothpaste and how much should we use?
Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. Parents should use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush.
How do I make my child’s diet safe for his teeth?
Children’s dentistry in Belmont MA recommends a balanced diet, including one serving each of fruits and vegetables, bread and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat fish and eggs. Limiting the servings of sugars and starches will also aid in protecting your child’s teeth from decay.
How do dental sealants work?
Sealants fill in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to shut out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities.
How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?
Have your pediatric dentist evaluate the fluoride level of your child's primary source of drinking water. If your child is not getting enough fluoride internally through water your pediatric dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements.
How can I protect my child’s teeth during sporting events?
Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect a child's teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sports-related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard developed by your children’s dentistry in Belmont MA will protect your child from injuries to the teeth, face and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.
Children are not just small adults and they are not always able to be patient and cooperative during a dental exam. Your children’s dentistry in Belmont MA knows how to examine and treat children in ways that make them comfortable. If you have any more questions, or if it’s time to get individual dental insurance for your child.
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