Kids Dentistry FAQs

Your child should visit Dr. Joe (our dentist) by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears. Early dental visits are crucial for monitoring your child's oral health and development.

During the first visit, Dr. Joe will check for proper growth, examine the teeth and gums, and provide guidance on oral hygiene practices.

Starting dental visits early helps your child become comfortable with our team. That will also help reduce their anxiety in future appointments and establishing a foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.

Children should visit the dentist every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings. These biannual visits allow Dr. Joe to detect and address any potential issues early on, such as cavities or misalignment.

Regular dental visits also include professional cleanings, which remove plaque and tartar buildup that cannot be eliminated through brushing and flossing alone.

Additionally, these visits provide an opportunity for our team to educate both you and your family on proper oral hygiene practices at home.

If your child complains of a toothache, first rinse their mouth with warm water to clean the area. Check for any food debris between their teeth and gently floss if needed. Apply a cold compress to their cheek if there is swelling.

Avoid placing aspirin or other pain relievers directly on the gums, as this can cause tissue damage. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Joe as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of the toothache.

Pain relief can also be provided through age-appropriate over-the-counter pain medications.

To help prevent cavities, encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque between teeth. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and promote fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Regular dental check-ups with Dr. Joe are essential for professional cleanings and early detection of potential issues. Consider dental sealants for added protection on your child's molars.

Encourage your child to drink plenty of water, especially fluoridated water, to help wash away food particles and strengthen tooth enamel.

Yes, dental X-rays are safe for children. Dr. Joe takes special precautions to minimize radiation exposure, such as using protective lead aprons and high-speed digital X-ray technology.

Dental X-rays are an important diagnostic tool that helps dentists detect hidden issues, such as cavities between teeth, infections, and bone problems that cannot be seen during a regular dental exam.

The benefits of early detection and treatment of dental issues far outweigh the minimal risks associated with dental X-rays. Always discuss any concerns with your child's dentist.

If your child knocks out a tooth, act quickly. Find the tooth and rinse it gently with water. Avoid scrubbing or touching the root. If possible, try to place the tooth back in its socket. If not, store it in a container of milk or saline solution.

Contact Dr. Joe immediately for emergency care. For baby teeth, contact our office to confirm there are no additional injuries and to discuss the best course of action for your child's dental health.

Start using a fluoride toothpaste as soon as your child's first tooth erupts. For children under three, use a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. From ages three to six, use a pea-sized amount.

Your child should spit out the toothpaste after brushing and rinse well with water. Fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.

Supervise your child's brushing to ensure they use the right amount of toothpaste and brush properly. Encourage brushing twice a day, especially before bedtime.

Thumb sucking is generally harmless if the child stops by age four. Prolonged thumb sucking beyond this age can affect the alignment of the teeth and jaw, leading to issues like an overbite or open bite.

It can also affect speech development and the proper growth of the mouth. If your child continues thumb-sucking past age four, consult Dr. Joe for advice. Positive reinforcement, gentle reminders, and providing comfort objects can help break the habit.

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) to prevent cavities. The sealant material fills in the grooves and pits where food particles and bacteria can accumulate. Sealants make it easier to keep the teeth clean.

Dr. Joe recommends them for most children as their permanent molars come in, usually around ages six and twelve. The procedure is quick, painless, and can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay. Regular check-ups will keep the sealants intact and effective.

To make dental visits less stressful for your child, start by explaining what to expect in simple, positive terms. Avoid using scary words like "pain" or "hurt." Choose a pediatric dentist who specializes in treating children and has a child-friendly office environment.

Bring a favorite toy or comfort item to the appointment. Schedule visits at a time when your child is usually well-rested and in a good mood. Encourage good oral hygiene at home to reduce the likelihood of needing extensive dental work.

Reward your child with praise or a small treat after the visit to create positive associations.

If your child chips or fractures a tooth, rinse their mouth with warm water to clean the area and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Collect any broken tooth fragments if possible. Contact our office immediately to schedule an emergency appointment.

In the meantime, avoid giving your child hard or chewy foods that could further damage the tooth. Depending on the severity of the fracture, your dentist may recommend bonding, a crown, or other treatments to restore the tooth's appearance and function.

To help your child with teething pain, give them a cold teething ring or a clean, cold washcloth to chew on. Gently massage their gums with a clean finger.

Over-the-counter teething gels or pain relievers designed for infants can provide additional relief, but always consult your pediatrician or dentist before using them.

Teething can cause irritability, drooling, and disrupted sleep, so be patient and provide extra comfort during this time.