When our son finally got his first tooth after months and months of teething, my husband and I were thrilled. But with every milestone come questions. I wanted to know not only when to make his first appointment with a dentist, but also what are the most important questions to ask the pediatric dentist on that first visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends taking your child to the dentist for the first time at age 1, or within six months after they finally erupt the first tooth. So it looks like we need to start planning the first visit pronto because our son has even more teeth now and he is one year old. Fortunately, we’ll be armed with the right questions when the time comes. I asked pediatric dentists what we should ask our dentist when my son takes his first turn in that chair, and there are some questions on this list that may not occur to first-time parents.
If you’re wondering what the difference is between pediatric dentists and “adult” dentists (or if there is a difference), the AAPD explains on its website that “a pediatric dentist has two to three years of specialty training after dental school and limits his or her practice to treating only children. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.”
Also, pediatric dentists usually have child-centered distractions in place, such as Paw Patrol on TV and fun sunglasses. (It’s all about distractions.) And they’ll definitely be able to answer the questions below.
1
What toothpaste should my child use and how much?
Pediatric dentist Dr. Ron Baise says this is so important because if you use too much toothpaste, your child could develop a condition called “fluoride”, but if you use too little, then their enamel weakens.
2
Can you show my child how to brush his teeth?
Baise tells Romper that “Brushing your teeth and teaching someone else how to brush their teeth are very different skills. Pediatric dentists and hygienists are very good at this and can therefore teach children how to brush. their teeth more efficiently than their parents.”
3
When is the normal time for my child’s baby teeth to come out?
“Different baby teeth come out at different times. However, if your child still has baby teeth after age 9, it’s worth getting an X-ray to see if there are any adult teeth under the gums,” says Baise. “In very rare cases, children only have one set of certain teeth and therefore the baby teeth will not erupt.”
4
When should my child start flossing?
“Flossing is only effective when there are no visible gaps between children’s teeth,” says Baise. “This happens at a different time for children, so it’s worth asking a pediatric dentist when your child should start flossing.”
5
What are the alternatives to yarn?
Many children (and adults, let’s face it) have trouble flossing. It’s either time or hassle to try to get back to your molars. Baise says to ask your dentist about suggested alternatives. He recommends water piks and interdental brushes.
6
Is my child’s thumb sucking/using a pacifier a problem?
As we’ve all heard before, sucking and using a pacifier can potentially lead to crooked teeth. Baise says, “The extent of the problem can be assessed by a dentist, so if you want to relax your child’s thumb-sucking, it’s worth asking if they think it’s had any noticeable effect.”
7
When do they start doing dental x-rays?
“X-rays are often not taken until age 5 unless there is a cavity or trauma.” Dr. David Zirlina pediatric dentist at White Plains and Larchmont Pediatric Dentistry tells Romper.
“X-rays help to visualize parts of the teeth that are not visible clinically. When the patient is older, the x-rays taken also monitor normal dental development and help diagnose the appropriate timing to be evaluated by an orthodontist. However, this is usually not is by age 7, as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists.”
8
When should we start using a fluoride toothpaste?
“For children under 3 years of age, only a rice-sized amount of toothpaste is recommended. The amount of fluoride in young children is limited to minimize ingestion. Excessive fluoride ingestion can cause dental fluorosis, a mottling of enamel in adults.” explains Zirlin.
9
When should we start using a fluoride mouthwash?
“Fluoride mouthwash helps protect the part of the teeth that can be difficult to clean with toothbrush bristles alone,” says Zirlin. “Some children have crowded overlapping teeth or wear braces.”
“Fluoride mouthwash is recommended for children who can rinse and spit – which is usually around ages 5 to 6. This is later than when children start using fluoride toothpaste.”
10
What should I do if my child has “shark teeth”?
Zirlin says “shark teeth” is the term used when adult teeth grow in before baby teeth fall out: “Sometimes the roots of baby teeth don’t erupt, or the position of the newly erupted adult tooth isn’t directly below the baby tooth. . is supposed to be replaced.”
“Once the over-retained baby tooth is lost/removed, the adult position is assessed. This can be done with braces or a removable appliance/retainer,” he says.
11
Notice Brushing Blind Spots?
“People fall into habits when they brush their teeth, they often miss certain areas of their mouth when they brush,” Baise says. “This can be identified by a dentist, so it’s worth asking if your child has any of these ‘blind spots’ and then being able to adjust their brushing accordingly.”
12
Does my child have enough room in his mouth for adult teeth?
Baise says the main cause of crooked teeth in adults is crowding due to lack of space in the mouth. “This can usually be predicted before the adult teeth are fully erupted. If a lack of space is anticipated, a palate expander can reduce the need for expensive orthodontic treatment down the line.”
13
What should I do if my child has a broken tooth?
“If a child has a chipped tooth, a visit to assess the severity of the chip or fracture is recommended,” says Zirlin. “Sometimes the rough edge needs to be filed or sanded down, it may need repair or welding, and sometimes it needs no treatment at all.”
Zirlin adds, “If it’s a large fracture and the nerve is exposed, the tooth may need to be removed. Some teeth fall out or peel between ages 5 and 6, while others don’t until age 12 to 14. Treatment it depends on the type of tooth (molar vs. incisor and baby vs. adult), the age of the patient, and the severity/depth of the chip.”
14
Does my child have tongue or lip tie?
One raw tongue or lip tie it can affect how your child eats, talks and swallows, according to The Mayo Clinic. If your child has not already been assessed if you are breastfeeding then it is very important to have them checked now.
Experts:
Dr. Ron Baezpediatric dentist at 92 Dental
Dr. David Zirlinpediatric dentist at White Plains and Larchmont Pediatric Dentistry
