How can I prevent cavities?

• Watch your child’s diet to eliminate high levels of sugars.
• Encourage a daily routine of dental care, brushing at least twice a day.
• Never allow your child to go to bed with anything other than water.
• Start cleaning your child’s mouth from their very first meal.

How can I prevent “nursing” decay?

Avoid nursing children to sleep, nighttime feedings, or putting anything other than water in their bedtime bottle after his or her first tooth erupts. If the bottle has milk in it at night, the child’s teeth will be bathed in the milk which feeds the bacteria that produces acid, causing decay. Do not put your child to bed with a bottle of milk, juice, formula or sweetened liquid.

Is it ok for my child to use a sippy cup?

As your child switches from the bottle or nursing you may offer him or her a training, or “sippy”, cup. However, do not let your child constantly sip liquids containing sugar (milk, juices, or soda) because they encourage tooth decay. Only offer these beverages at meal time because chewing food encourages saliva production that will help neutralize acid production. If your child is thirsty between meals, offer water. Do not let your child carry the sippy cup around, or get in the habit of keeping it in the car or stroller. Again, frequent sips of sugary liquids encourage tooth decay. Also, your child is at risk for trauma if they are allowed to walk around with the cup. Once your child has learned how to sip, they are ready for a regular cup.

What should I do if my child has a toothache?

Rinse your child’s mouth (or irritated area) with warm salt water. You can place a cold compress on their face if it is swollen. You may also give your child Tylenol or Ibuprofen for pain if needed – follow the manufacturer’s directions or your pediatrician’s directions for proper dosing instructions. Do NOT place aspirin on the gums because this will cause a chemical burn.

Should I worry about thumb sucking or using a pacifier?

Thumb sucking or use of a pacifier are both normal for infants and young children. The habit should be discouraged by the age of four in order to reduce the risk of bite problems or crowded teeth.

Are baby teeth really that important?

Primary (baby) teeth are important for many reasons. They help children speak and chew and they aid in placement of permanent teeth as they erupt into the mouth.

Should we use fluoridated toothpaste?

If your child is unable to spit, fluoridated toothpaste should be avoided and a gum cleanser or non-fluoridated toothpaste should be substituted.

We have well water at home. Do we need fluoride drops?

That depends. Some well water has fluoride in it and the water should be tested for fluoride content prior to receiving fluoride supplements for your child. Additionally, if your child does not drink the well water and receives adequate fluoride levels from the beverages they consume, they may not need fluoride supplementation.

How do I protect their teeth during sports?

Mouth guards are the best way to protect your child’s teeth during sport events. Several types of mouth guards exist and your dentist can discuss which mouth guard would suit your child best.

What if a permanent tooth is knocked out?

Try to find the tooth. Gently pick it up by the crown (try not to touch the root). Rinse it with plain water (no soap or cleanser); do not dry it. Place it back in your child’s mouth either in the socket or in between the cheek and gum. Cover it gently with gauze or paper towel to prevent swallowing of the tooth. If unable to place it back in the mouth, put it in a container with milk, saliva or plain water. Call your dentist immediately for care. The sooner the tooth can be treated, the higher the chance it can be saved.

How safe are dental x-rays?

There is very little risk in dental x-rays. This office uses a digital system that greatly reduces the amount of radiation exposure your child receives with each x-ray. Living in a brick house or taking a trans-coastal flight exposes your child to higher levels of radiation than the average set of dental x-rays. Children tend to need x-rays more often than adults since their mouths change more rapidly.

What Insurance do you accept?

Visit our insurance information page to find out more about our participating partners.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment?

We request 24-HOURS NOTICE if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. For more information, view our Office Policies.