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Frequently Asked Questions about Children’s Dentistry

At Princeview Dental Group, we take children’s dentistry very seriously and we understand that many first-time parents have a lot of questions and concerns regarding their children’s oral health. That’s why we’ve prepared this informative FAQ page that answers many important questions you may have about dentistry for kids. We’re an Etobicoke dental practice that regularly treats children and we’re here to help you in your time of need.

1. How should I care for my child’s teeth?

When your child’s baby teeth come in, you can gently wipe their teeth with a soft and clean washcloth or use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean their teeth. Only use the amount of toothpaste that resembles the size of a grain of rice until they are older.

2. Why are my child’s primary teeth so important?

Primary teeth are important because they can provide a strong foundation for the impending adult teeth, they facilitate your child’s ability to chew food, and they’re essential to early speech development.

3. Do babies need to go to the dentist?

Yes. Generally speaking, you should take your child to the dentist by their first birthday or soon after the first tooth appears. Dental care needs to begin as soon as the first tooth is fully exposed.

4. When should my child start flossing their teeth?

You should start flossing your child’s teeth once they start growing in close proximity to one another (by about age two). By age four or five, they should be able to floss on their own as long as you maintain a steady practice of flossing with them. But some children will need help with flossing until 12 years of age.

5. How can I tell if my child has tooth decay or gum disease?

Tooth decay occurs when dental hygiene is neglected and plaque buildup around the teeth causes erosion. Symptoms include soreness, swollen and bleeding gums, and pain. Ultimately, the best way to identify tooth decay or gum disease is with regular dental check-ups.

6. Should I be worried if my child’s new adult teeth look yellow?

No, yellow adult teeth is simply a sign of the thicker dentin developing in the adult teeth.

7. Is fluoride toothpaste safe for babies?

Generally, it is advisable to use fluoride-based toothpaste during the first few years of your baby’s life. If ingested in high doses, fluoride can be harmful to a child, so many children’s dentists advise using fluoride toothpaste only in very small amounts, like the size of a grain of rice.

8. How many times a day should my child brush their teeth?

Children should brush their teeth at least twice daily: once in the morning and once before bed.

9. Is thumb sucking harmful to my child’s teeth?

While thumb sucking is a perfectly natural soothing mechanism for most children it should stop by the time their adult teeth come in because it can cause serious dental problems like crooked teeth and jaw misalignment.

10. What should I do if my child gets a toothache?

Rinse the affected area with warm salt water. Don’t give your child Aspirin because it has medical ingredients that could exacerbate bleeding and swelling. Instead, give them children’s strength acetaminophen and apply a cold compress to their cheek until you can get them to your local general (or periodontist) where you normally have dental treatment.

11. Are dental x-rays safe for children?

Yes. In children’s dentistry, it’s recommended that x-rays be scheduled. For children who are deemed to be at high risk of tooth decay x-rays may be recommended every six months. X-rays can help identify certain dental or oral issues that are invisible to the naked eye.

12. What should I do if my child has one of their permanent teeth knocked out?

Find the tooth, then gently place it in a saline solution or milk to keep it moist until you get to the dentist’s office. To avoid damaging the root, hold the tooth only by the crown. Thoroughly examine your child’s mouth for fragments of the tooth if it’s broken, and if you live in Etobicoke, take them to the nearest dentist there.

Here at Princeview Dental Group we routinely treat and take care of your child’s early dental needs. If needed we can also refer to children-specific dentists (called periodontists). Call today to schedule your baby or child for their first visit to the dentist at Princeview Dental Group, phone: (416) 231-4562.

Call Today To Book An Appointment 416-231-4562