DENTAL ADVICE

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and Answers

 What should I use to clean my baby's teeth?

A toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used twice a day.

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

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. Drs. Goldenberg and Hirt have two years of specialty training following dental school and limit their 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.

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 Are baby teeth really that important to my child?

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.

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 Are thumbsucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?

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 of three, various treatments may be recommended by Drs. Goldenberg and Hirt.

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 How can I prevent decay caused by nursing?

Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child's teeth. Take your child to Drs. Goldenberg and Hirt regularly to have their teeth and gums checked.

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 How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?

A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, Drs. Goldenberg and Hirt can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health.

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 Toothpaste: when should we begin using it and how much should we use?

Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth with water. Parents should use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Once children are 3 to 6 years old, the amount should be increased to a pea-size amount and you should perform or assist your child’s tooth brushing.

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 How do I make my child's diet safe for his teeth?

Make sure your child has a balanced diet, including one serving each of: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat, fish and eggs. Limiting the servings of sugars and starches will also aid in protecting your child's teeth from decay.

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 How do dental sealants work?

Sealants work by filling in the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This helps keep out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.

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 What can I do to protect my child's teeth during sporting events?

Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect a child's teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard will protect your child from injuries to the teeth, face and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.

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 What should I do if my child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth?

The most important thing to do is to remain calm. It is important to find the tooth. Hold it by the crown rather than the root and try to reinsert it in the socket. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk and take your child and the glass immediately to Drs. Goldenberg and Hirt.

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 How safe are dental X-rays?

There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Our office is 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.

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