FAQs

Many of today’s toothpaste contain fluoride to help combat decay. In small children, fluoride can cause nausea and vomiting if consumed in moderate quantities. Excessive fluoride consumption during tooth formation may cause a condition called fluorosis which manifests itself as a discoloration or mottling of the developing enamel. Many toothpaste manufacturers add artificial flavoring to enhance the taste of toothpaste and encourage use. However, the artificial flavors can be a risk, especially to unsupervised children who may find the taste to toothpaste too pleasant. For this reason, the AAPD recommends no use of fluoridated toothpaste for children under the age of 2.

At the correct dosage, fluoride makes teeth stronger both chemically and physically. It also aids in the process of remineralization or the healing and reversal of a developing carious lesion (cavity). Children who are exposed to fluoride may expect to have 50-65% fewer cavities than those who do not.

There are two ways to receive fluoride, topically and systemically. Topical application of fluoride affects the teeth already erupted into the oral cavity. Systemic, or fluoride that is ingested, affects the developing teeth and thus increasing the occurrence of fluorosis.

A sealant is a preventive coating that seals deep fissures and grooves of posterior teeth of caries prone teeth. A sealant does not stop caries, but makes these deep fissures and grooves more cleansable therefore reducing the risk and incidence of developing caries.

Milk, as well as other fruit juices, contains natural sugars and potentially may cause decay. It is recommended that by the age of one, a child should be weaned from the bottle. A child should never be put to sleep with a bottle containing anything other than water. If a child requires a bottle in order to sleep, plain water is advised. Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age. Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday.

X-rays are a diagnostic tool used to check not only for cavities between teeth, but for any abnormalities in eruption or development not clinically visible. The timing of x-rays depends upon caries activity, dental development, eruption patterns, and on past experience of trauma.

Some baby teeth, the canines and primary molars, are not shed until eleven or twelve years of age, so their presence is vital to the integrity and development of the dental arch. Premature loss can result in future developmental and complicate orthodontic outcomes. In the meanwhile, long-standing cavity/infections in untreated baby teeth may result in damaging the esthetics of the developing permanent tooth.

Parents should never impress their own anxiety concerning dentistry to their children. Words such as “shot”, “pain”, “hurt”, or “drill” should be avoided. If unsure of what to say, encourage your children to ask the dentist. Oftentimes, communication between the doctor and patient will help to alleviate anxiety.

Finger habits are a natural development in children, and at the appropriate age do not pose any problems. If however, the child begins to exhibit signs of abnormal development, elimination of this habit may require earlier intervention. Ask our pediatric dentist for an evaluation. The following are several techniques may be employed to eliminate fingersucking.
a) Make sure the child is motivated to stop. Explore the psychology behind the behavior.
b) Positive reinforcement. Do not scold the child for fingersucking but instead reward the child for his attempts to stop.
c) Place a sock or bandage on the hand or finger of the child
d) Dental appliances are also available to aid in the elimination of this habit