Q. When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?

A. In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.

Q. What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?

A. Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.

Q. Are baby teeth really that important to my child?

A. Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.

Q. Are thumbsucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child’s teeth?

A. Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age 4 or 5 or when permanent teeth appear, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist.

Q. How safe are dental X-rays?

A. There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation. Our office utilizes digital x-rays which minimize radiation. Digital x-rays reduce patient radiation exposure by 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental x-rays. The image can be instantly viewed and enlarged, allowing us to detect problems easier and point them out to you. Digital x-rays do not require film processing, therefore eliminate the need for the disposal of harmful waste products and chemicals into the environment.