Faqs

Children should see a pediatric dentist by age one or when their first tooth emerges. This early visit allows the dentist to detect potential dental problems and provide preventative care.

During a pediatric dental check-up, the dentist will examine your child's teeth, gums, and mouth, clean their teeth, apply fluoride if needed, and may take x-rays to detect cavities.

You can help your child prepare for their first dental visit by reading books about going to the dentist, playing pretend dentist at home, and using positive language when talking about the visit.

Dental x-rays may be necessary for detecting cavities and other dental problems that may not be visible during a visual exam. Your dentist can discuss the benefits and risks of x-rays with you.

Children should see a pediatric dentist every six months or more often if recommended by their dentist. Regular visits help prevent dental problems and promote good oral health.

You can prevent tooth decay in your child by encouraging healthy eating habits, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, promoting good oral hygiene, and scheduling regular dental check-ups.

A dental sealant is a thin coating applied to the back teeth to help prevent cavities. Your dentist can determine if it's necessary for your child based on their risk for developing cavities.

If your child has a dental emergency, contact your pediatric dentist immediately or visit the nearest emergency pediatric dentist. Common emergencies include toothaches, broken teeth, and knocked-out teeth.

Clean your baby's teeth with a soft-bristled brush and water, and avoid putting them to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste once your child is old enough.

You can help your child feel comfortable during dental visits by using positive language, explaining what will happen during the visit, offering rewards for good behavior, and staying calm.

Start brushing your child's teeth when the first tooth emerges, using a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. As your child grows, they can begin brushing their own teeth with supervision.

You can help your child develop good oral hygiene habits by setting a good example, making brushing and flossing fun, and offering rewards for good behavior.

Fluoride is generally safe and beneficial for dental health, but it's important to use it appropriately and follow your dentist's recommendations. Your pediatric dentist can help you determine the right amount of fluoride for your child.

Yes. Although “primary” teeth eventually fall out they are extremely important for your child’s oral development, speech and eating. Think of primary teeth as space-holders for the permanent teeth, if they are lost too soon, other teeth may shift causing the tooth not to erupt properly.

Once your child has teeth in their mouth you should be using fluoride. No matter what your child consumes, bacteria still create acid, causing potential damage to the teeth. If you are uncomfortable with fluoride, Xylitol products may also be used, however they will not remineralize teeth.

The short answer: to maintain space between their permanent teeth in the event a primary tooth has been lost prematurely. When primary teeth are lost too soon, adjacent permanent teeth may begin to shift, causing overcrowding or even impaction. Ultimately this could result in needing braces or other orthodontic treatments to correct their smile down the road.

After care is different depending upon various factors. After any treatment you will receive thorough instructions for home/after care.

When your child can eat after an appointment will also depend on a number of factors including the specific treatment. Instructions will be given about after care and when your child can eat following any treatment appointments.

This depends upon what treatments are necessary, the age of your child and various other factors. However, we often schedule more than one appointment for the safety, comfort and well-being of your child.

We prefer that parents allow us to treat their child without them present, however exceptions can be made. Our reason for this is that it allows us to form trust and a bond with your child, we often find that children are more nervous with a parent in the room. We do not want to cause an unpleasant visit however and this can be discussed further prior to your child's appointment.

Depending upon the age of your child, yes these habits can certainly affect their smile. Children who suck a pacifier or their thumb once teeth have erupted run the risk of alignment and bite issues.

We recommended starting brushing once the first tooth has erupted. Once two or more adjacent teeth have erupted we also recommend flossing. Avoid putting your child down for bed with anything other than water as well.

We recommend that any child who participates in athletic/sports activities where a customized sports mouthguard. Although over-the-counter options exist, they are often ill-fitting and uncomfortable for the child.

We recommend your child’s first pediatric dentistry appointment when the first tooth erupts. If that is not possible then no later than their first birthday.

Think of a pediatric dentist as a “pediatrician” of the dental world. We specialize in the dental care of children and are required to have continued training following dental school to perfect treating children.

We recommend first rinsing the mouth with warm salt water (1 tbsp salt + 1 cup warm water). A cold compress may help reduce swelling (if present) and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be given. We also recommend contacting Urbach Pediatric Dentistry to schedule an appointment. Treatment may be necessary to avoid further complications.

If your child knocks out a primary tooth we recommend contacting Urbach Pediatric Dentistry to schedule an appointment and make sure no other damage was caused. A space maintainer may be recommended to prevent spacing issues of permanent teeth.

If your child knocks out a permanent tooth we recommend immediately placing the tooth in water or milk. Then you should rinse the mouth with warm salt water (1 tbsp salt + 1 cup warm water). Contact Urbach Pediatric Dentistry immediately, the tooth may be able to be saved!