Dental FAQS for Kids If you are a parent, we know you always have a ton of questions. Parents have more questions than anyone else! We don't blame you because it is the toughest job in the world. We can't answer many of your questions - like why your child has to wear that one shirt every single day - but here at Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry, we can answer your children's dental questions. Here are a few of the most common questions we get.At What Age Should My Child See a Dentist?The American Dental Association says it is not the calendar age that should guide parents when they make a dental appointment. Instead, you should make an appointment for your child after they get their first tooth. Children should come to see us by the sixth month after they get their first tooth. If they haven't been to see us by the time they turn one, go ahead and make an appointment with us, even if your child's first tooth hasn't erupted yet. What Happens When I Bring My Child to the Dentist for the First Time? Our job, when your child visits for the first time, is to get to know your child. Your child needs to get to know us as well. We want him or her to be comfortable with us. We will have a look at your child's teeth, just to see their overall health, and whether they are coming in correctly. We are also checking your child's teeth and jaw for future problems down the road. We will lightly clean your child's teeth as well. Of course, we want to answer as many questions as you have about your child's dental health and how to clean their teeth.How Often Should My Child See the Dentist?We want to see your child every six months for a dental exam if he or she has a healthy mouth and their teeth are coming in normally. If we see that your child may have a problem with their teeth or in their mouth, we might ask you to bring your child in more often. We want to prevent problems with your child's oral health before they begin. My Baby Just Got Her First Tooth. How Should I Clean It?If your child's first tooth is just now breaking the surface, you can clean her gums with a soft washcloth. Once the first tooth fully erupts, you can begin to brush her tooth. There are toothbrushes available just for infants. Be sure that the toothpaste you use does not contain fluoride. Children should not begin to use fluoride toothpaste until after their second birthday. Why Should My Baby's Toothpaste Not Have Fluoride?Very young children tend to swallow toothpaste. If your baby or young toddler swallows toothpaste, they can stain their teeth. It is not dangerous for them to swallow a little, but no one wants their baby's teeth to be stained. When they are older, children can use toothpaste with fluoride in it. If you have more questions about your child's dental health, why not give Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry a call? We are available at (971) 459-2431. Call us today, and let us make you an appointment to talk about your child's dental health. |
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