A LOT OF PATIENTS and parents of patients come to us with the same dental health questions, so let’s have a quick dental FAQ session!
Dental FAQ #1 How often do I need to visit the dentist?
It is good to establish a good cadence for any doctor visit whether it’s the dentist or the pediatrician. Dental visits are recommended for twice a year. This is a good general rule, though it may vary depending on individual circumstances. Regular dental visits are critical for combating tartar buildup and catching problems early. The earlier any health condition is caught, treatment can be easier and less painful.
Dental FAQ #2 Why do I need a filling if my tooth doesn’t hurt?
A cavity typically doesn’t start to hurt when it’s still in the outer layer of the tooth, but that makes it the best time to get to it with a filling, to keep it from getting deeper! Even baby teeth need fillings sometimes to prevent the decay from getting to the root of the teeth and impacting “adult teeth”. It is important to take care of all of our teeth–even those that are going to fall out to make room for new ones!
Dental FAQ #3 Why are my teeth turning more yellow?
Over time, our teeth naturally get darker or more yellow, but tooth discoloration can also be the result of trauma or consuming a lot of substances that leave stains. We should brush our teeth for two minutes twice a day. This not only combats build up and promotes dental health but it also helps to polish your teeth and help them maintain a whiter color.
Dental FAQ #4 When should my child start having dental exams?
A good time to start coming to the dentist is when the first tooth appears! Visits for young children are often quick. Establishing the relationship with your dentist will help your child to understand what happens in the dental chair. You never want to associate any doctor with pain so coming in for a quick check and a polish helps children to understand dental visits aren’t scary. You can help your child to feel comfortable in the dental chair and see that visiting the dentist can be a fun adventure.
Dental FAQ #5 Is it really that important to keep baby teeth healthy?
Yes! Baby teeth might be temporary, but they’re still serving a lot of important roles. Kids need them for chewing food, learning to speak clearly, and mastering the dental health habits they’ll need to keep their adult teeth healthy for life. They save space for adult teeth and help guide them into their proper positions.
Start teaching your children when they are young to limit their sugar intake as it can be quite harmful to your teeth. When you do have sugar (including juice), be sure to thoroughly brush afterward.
Thanks for sticking with us with our top five dental FAQs. We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have to make your child’s dental visits more pleasant.
Morristown Pediatric Dentistry provides dental services for children and adolescents in the Lakeway Area. We strive to provide a fun, caring, and child-friendly environment. We are here to help your children form healthy oral hygiene habits and help them take care of their teeth. We are conveniently located in the heart of Morristown at 950 West 1st North Street. To make an appointment with one of Morristown Pediatric Dentistry’s doctors, please call: 423-581-1877.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.