Child Dental Care FAQs
Citrus Heights, CA
 At Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics there are several questions we hear from our patients and parents, almost on a daily basis. It is a good thing to be prepared to ask our dentist the questions you have. Asking questions and getting solid answers will help to reassure you that the course of treatment is the right direction for your child.
If Baby Teeth Will Fall Out Why Do They Matter?
Baby teeth will fall out eventually, that much is true. They serve an important purpose in your mouth until that point. They help you to learn to eat a range of solid foods, they help to save the space for your permanent teeth to grow into, and they help you to learn to speak correctly. Baby teeth are very important.
Is It Important to Brush Baby Teeth?
If baby teeth are not brushed, they are at risk for cavities and decay. This may not seem like it matters if they are just going to fall out anyway. However, that infection can spread down to the developing adult tooth. It can also enter into the bloodstream and make someone very sick. Brushing baby teeth can help to keep them healthy and free from cavities.
Do I Have to Brush Every Day?
Yes, and yes again. Experts tell us that it only takes 12 hours for a cavity to start forming. It is important that you brush your teeth at least every 12 hours (morning and night) or after each meal. A cleaner mouth means less bacteria in it, which means your mouth is healthier. Brushing after every meal can also keep your breath fresh.
Why Do I Need to Floss?
Brushing alone does not always guarantee a clean mouth. Food particles also get trapped between the teeth, and cavities can form without you even noticing. Flossing will help to reduce cavity formation between the teeth. Flossing can also be challenging; for that reason, we always recommend parents flossing for their child until age nine. Be sure to put the floss between the teeth, through the contact and along the sides of each tooth. Floss picks and flavored floss can help make flossing for kids a little more enjoyable.
Is Toothpaste Really Important?
Toothpaste has a few jobs to do for our teeth. It contains fluoride, which is an ingredient that can help to keep teeth strong. Some toothpastes can help to make your teeth less sensitive when you brush. Toothpaste for children can help to make it more enjoyable to brush.
Do I Really Need to Be Seen Every Six Months?
Cavities can happen really quickly. The sooner that a cavity is seen and treated, the better the results will be. Getting a professional cleaning every six months will also help to keep gum disease away. Even children are at risk for gum disease.
What If I Have a Cavity?
Cavities may sound scary, but they are very treatable. Our pediatric dentist will make sure that you are completely comfortable before the cavity is treated. Treating the cavity as soon as possible can help to keep it from becoming a deeper cavity that infects the roots of the tooth. A quick filling will have your child’s tooth back to good health.
Will They Need Braces?
Not every child will need braces. If one or both parents have needed braces, or if an older sibling has needed braces, it is possible that braces will be necessary. Our pediatric specialist and orthodontist can determine whether your teeth and your mouth can benefit from braces, after a complete examination.
At Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics we love to answer the questions that our patients and their parents may have. Call us at (916) 962-0577 to ask questions or to schedule their next appointment. |
