Questions: (Answers can be viewed below)

1. When should your child first see a dentist?

2. When should your child get off the bottle?

3. Name four reasons why baby teeth are important?

4. Are pacifiers better for the teeth than thumbs or fingers?

5. How often should your child have dental X-rays?

6. Up until what age should you participate in your child’s toothbrushing?

7. Is nitrous oxide safe?

8. How often should your child see the dentist?

9. What are some of the causes of crowded teeth and orthodontic problems?

10. What is a Sealant and how long has it been used for?

11. Are Sealant placement painful?

12. Describe at least three ways that will help make your child’s visit to the dentist a positive one.

13. What kind of training does a Pediatric Dentist have?

14. Are dental amalgam fillings safe?

15. Do children have root canals done on their baby teeth?

16. My child grinds their teeth at night. Is that a sign of a serious problem?

17. What sugar substitute has shown itself to have a protective effect against tooth decay?

18. Is chewing gum bad for the teeth?

19. What are the simplest things one can do to reduce the effects of bad breath?

20. If your 3 year old suddenly develops a “dark” front tooth, what could be the cause?

21. Is the reason for orthodontic treatment only because it improves one’s appearance?
     

Answers:

1. First visit by first birthday. Early examination and preventive care will get your child started on the road to good oral health which will last them a life time.

2. Your child should be weaned from the bottle at 12-18 months of age.

3. Chewing, speech, appearance, and space preservation for the permanent teeth.

4. Thumb, finger and pacifier sucking generally affect the teeth the same. A pacifier habit is sometimes easier to break because parents can have more control.

5. The frequency of X-ray films is determined by your child's individual needs. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends X-ray examinations every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. Children with a low risk of tooth decay require X-rays less frequently.

6. Parents should brush the teeth of preschoolers and supervise the brushing and flossing of school-age children until they are at least 7 to 8 years of age.

7. It is very safe. It is tolerated well by most children, nonaddictive, has rapid onset, is reversible, can be adjusted to various concentrations, and is non-allergic. The child is fully conscious, maintaining all reflexes, and will be capable of responding.

8. Twice a year for most children as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. There are some children who may need more frequent visits as recommended by their dentist based on increased risks for decay, unusual growth patterns, or poor oral hygiene.

9. Often times it is inherited, but can also be caused by early loss of primary teeth and habits.

10. Sealants are plastic materials applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth for the purpose of providing a protective barrier from plaque and acids. It has been used for over 20 years.

11. No it is very simple procedure, without removal of any tooth structure. It involves cleaning, conditioning, and applying a liquid plastic to the tooth, followed by a special light that hardens it.

12. a) do not bribe b) schedule a morning appointment when your child is rested and may be more cooperative. c) do not use the visit as a punishment or threat. d) do not relay any anxieties that you may have. e) do not relay scary stories about dental visits. f) do not use words that may be threatening e.g. drill, cavity, or needle. g) and describe the visit as something that will be fun and enjoyable in the briefest terms possible.

13. After completing a four year dental school, two or three additional years of specialized training in the treatment of unique needs of infants, children, adolescents, including those with special health care needs.

14. While questions have arisen about the safety of dental amalgam relating to its mercury content, the major U.S. and international scientific and health bodies, including the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization, among others have been satisfied that dental amalgam is a safe, reliable and effective restorative material.

15. Yes. There are times when a tooth has a pulp (nerve) that is inflamed, infected, or has suffered trauma resulting in its deterioration. In order to avoid extraction the nerve is removed in part or whole.

16. Not necessarily. Many children (and adults) “brux” their teeth while sleeping. Often times this is transitory and has no significant repercussions. As long as there is no severe wear of the teeth or pain in the jaws don’t worry, but do mention it to your dentist.

17. Xylitol

18. No. Actually, it has been proven that chewing sugarless gum following meals helps to reduce cavities.

19. Improve oral hygiene, especially tongue cleaning.

20. This could mean your child had suffered trauma to that tooth causing bleeding of the pulp, resulting in its discoloration. The nerve has been damaged which may or may not require treatment.

21. No. Teeth that are not straight or fit together properly are much more difficult to keep clean, are more prone to periodontal disease, and can cause issues in the muscles of the jaws and its joints.
    Back to Top