Hey Kids - here are answers to some of the dental questions our patients ask the MOST! If you have a question that isn't listed here, just ask us at your next appointment or send us an email by clicking here.
How old do I have to be to visit the dentist?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your child should visit our Chandler pediatric dentist by his/her 1st birthday or 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth. Beginning dental care at an early age allows guidance for caring for your child's teeth and opportunities to address preventive issues that are important for healthy teeth and a pleasing smile. Did you know we have FREE first Happy Visits for all kids age 5 and under? These visits will let you tour the office, meet the dentist and you get a prize! The Happy Visit only lasts about 10-15 minutes and helps you feel more comfortable in our office.
What is a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists are your partners in health. They are health care professionals who teach you how to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy. They also can let you know if they see signs of other health problems. For example, did you know that a dental hygienist who looks inside your mouth can tell who's been smoking? You can ask your dental hygienist any questions you have about your teeth and gums.
What can I expect during an appointment with a dental hygienist?
Your dental hygienist will examine your mouth, teeth, and gums. He or she will clean your teeth and may take X rays (special pictures of teeth), give your teeth extra fluoride, or apply sealants. X rays are pictures of your teeth and bones. A fluoride treatment is a gel or foam that is put on your teeth to help keep them strong. Sealants are thin plastic coatings placed on your back teeth--sort of like a shield for your teeth. Your back teeth are full of places where germs called bacteria can hide and cause cavities. When sealants are applied, they fill in these places so no bacteria can hide there.
How many times each day should I brush my teeth? And When?
The two really important times to brush your teeth are in the morning after breakfast and at night before you go to bed. Any extra times you brush during the day is great particularly after eating sticky and sugary foods. Don't forget our 2-2-2 Rule - brush 2 times a day, for at least 2 minutes and see your dentist 2 times each year!
How many times a year should I visit the Dentist?
You should come to see us at least two times a year. This way, we can check your teeth and if there are any little problems that need fixed, we can help you before they grow into bigger problems! Remember to always tell your parents if your teeth are hurting, if you have hit your mouth on anything, if your teeth feel funny or loose. That way, they can bring you in to see us if you need to!
What are X-rays and Why Do I need to have them?
An X-ray is a picture that lets the dentist see what is inside your tooth (kind of like Superman's X-ray vision!) Radiographs (x-rays) are a necessary part of your visit so the dentist can see any problems. Without them, certain cavities will be missed. They also help survey developing teeth, evaluate results of an injury, or plan for orthodontic treatment. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for you, and more affordable for your parents!
When will I lose my baby teeth and how long before all of my adult teeth are in?
Children can start losing their baby teeth anywhere from about the age of 5 to about 7. Usually the two front teeth on the bottom are the first teeth to be replaced. Your second molars typically appear by age 12 to 13. Some people have third molars which are sometimes called "wisdom teeth" these can appear after age 16
Why should I keep my teeth healthy?
Healthy teeth and gums are important for many reasons. Teeth bite, tear, and chew food when you eat. Teeth also help you speak clearly. Many letters of the alphabet cannot be sounded without the help of teeth (try saying "healthy teeth"). Clean, healthy teeth help keep the rest of your body healthy, too. And a sparkling smile always helps you look and feel your best!
What Kind of Toothbrush Should I Use?
Children should use smaller brushes with shorter brushing planes in proportion to the size of their mouths. Most children use brushes that are too big to be easily maneuvered into small spaces in their mouth. By the way, in addition to changing brush every three months or when the bristles appear worn, it's a good idea to toss those brushes after colds or sore throats!
What do I do if one of my teeth get knocked out?
First, get your parents, teacher or an adult right away. Have them help you find the tooth. They will handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the roots. The adult helping you may rinse the tooth, but DO NOT wipe or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures, if there are no fractures, ask them to try and reinsert it into the socket (the place it came out of). You should try to hold the tooth in place in your mouth by biting on a gauze. If they cannot reinsert the tooth, put the tooth in a cup containing milk. If there is no milk, place the tooth in a cup containing the patient's own saliva. DO NOT place the tooth in water. Come to the dentist office or call as fast as you can. Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth
Can I use the same toothpaste my parents use?
All that you need from your toothpaste is the fluoride that helps strengthen your teeth and protects them from cavities. The time you should spend brushing and your technique are more important, so go with the flavor you prefer. Remember only a pea-sized drop of paste on your brush is all that is necessary.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, is often added to drinking water and is commonly found in toothpaste. Research has shown that the rate of cavities decreases in areas where fluoride is added to the water supply. Health authorities, such as The American Dental Association and The World Health Organization, both advocate the addition of fluoride to drinking water, and recommend you use toothpaste that contains fluoride, if age appropriate. Fluoride treatments are also given at your dental office after a cleaning appointment every six months to one year.
If you do not have fluoride in your water, fluoride is also available in:
Here are some tips to help you keep your teeth healthy & strong.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your child should visit our Chandler pediatric dentist by his/her 1st birthday or 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth. Beginning dental care at an early age allows guidance for caring for your child's teeth and opportunities to address preventive issues that are important for healthy teeth and a pleasing smile. Did you know we have FREE first Happy Visits for all kids age 5 and under? These visits will let you tour the office, meet the dentist and you get a prize! The Happy Visit only lasts about 10-15 minutes and helps you feel more comfortable in our office.
What is a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists are your partners in health. They are health care professionals who teach you how to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy. They also can let you know if they see signs of other health problems. For example, did you know that a dental hygienist who looks inside your mouth can tell who's been smoking? You can ask your dental hygienist any questions you have about your teeth and gums.
What can I expect during an appointment with a dental hygienist?
Your dental hygienist will examine your mouth, teeth, and gums. He or she will clean your teeth and may take X rays (special pictures of teeth), give your teeth extra fluoride, or apply sealants. X rays are pictures of your teeth and bones. A fluoride treatment is a gel or foam that is put on your teeth to help keep them strong. Sealants are thin plastic coatings placed on your back teeth--sort of like a shield for your teeth. Your back teeth are full of places where germs called bacteria can hide and cause cavities. When sealants are applied, they fill in these places so no bacteria can hide there.
How many times each day should I brush my teeth? And When?
The two really important times to brush your teeth are in the morning after breakfast and at night before you go to bed. Any extra times you brush during the day is great particularly after eating sticky and sugary foods. Don't forget our 2-2-2 Rule - brush 2 times a day, for at least 2 minutes and see your dentist 2 times each year!
How many times a year should I visit the Dentist?
You should come to see us at least two times a year. This way, we can check your teeth and if there are any little problems that need fixed, we can help you before they grow into bigger problems! Remember to always tell your parents if your teeth are hurting, if you have hit your mouth on anything, if your teeth feel funny or loose. That way, they can bring you in to see us if you need to!
What are X-rays and Why Do I need to have them?
An X-ray is a picture that lets the dentist see what is inside your tooth (kind of like Superman's X-ray vision!) Radiographs (x-rays) are a necessary part of your visit so the dentist can see any problems. Without them, certain cavities will be missed. They also help survey developing teeth, evaluate results of an injury, or plan for orthodontic treatment. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for you, and more affordable for your parents!
When will I lose my baby teeth and how long before all of my adult teeth are in?
Children can start losing their baby teeth anywhere from about the age of 5 to about 7. Usually the two front teeth on the bottom are the first teeth to be replaced. Your second molars typically appear by age 12 to 13. Some people have third molars which are sometimes called "wisdom teeth" these can appear after age 16
Why should I keep my teeth healthy?
Healthy teeth and gums are important for many reasons. Teeth bite, tear, and chew food when you eat. Teeth also help you speak clearly. Many letters of the alphabet cannot be sounded without the help of teeth (try saying "healthy teeth"). Clean, healthy teeth help keep the rest of your body healthy, too. And a sparkling smile always helps you look and feel your best!
What Kind of Toothbrush Should I Use?
Children should use smaller brushes with shorter brushing planes in proportion to the size of their mouths. Most children use brushes that are too big to be easily maneuvered into small spaces in their mouth. By the way, in addition to changing brush every three months or when the bristles appear worn, it's a good idea to toss those brushes after colds or sore throats!
What do I do if one of my teeth get knocked out?
First, get your parents, teacher or an adult right away. Have them help you find the tooth. They will handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the roots. The adult helping you may rinse the tooth, but DO NOT wipe or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures, if there are no fractures, ask them to try and reinsert it into the socket (the place it came out of). You should try to hold the tooth in place in your mouth by biting on a gauze. If they cannot reinsert the tooth, put the tooth in a cup containing milk. If there is no milk, place the tooth in a cup containing the patient's own saliva. DO NOT place the tooth in water. Come to the dentist office or call as fast as you can. Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth
Can I use the same toothpaste my parents use?
All that you need from your toothpaste is the fluoride that helps strengthen your teeth and protects them from cavities. The time you should spend brushing and your technique are more important, so go with the flavor you prefer. Remember only a pea-sized drop of paste on your brush is all that is necessary.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, is often added to drinking water and is commonly found in toothpaste. Research has shown that the rate of cavities decreases in areas where fluoride is added to the water supply. Health authorities, such as The American Dental Association and The World Health Organization, both advocate the addition of fluoride to drinking water, and recommend you use toothpaste that contains fluoride, if age appropriate. Fluoride treatments are also given at your dental office after a cleaning appointment every six months to one year.
If you do not have fluoride in your water, fluoride is also available in:
- Tablets
- Rinse
- Varnish
- Foam
Here are some tips to help you keep your teeth healthy & strong.
- Ask your dental hygienist to teach you how to brush & floss correctly.
- Don't eat sugary foods (like candy) or starchy foods (like pretzels) in between meals. Instead, try eating an apple, banana, or carrot. Drink milk instead of soda.
- If you do eat in between meals, be sure to brush your teeth when you are finished.