A Jungle of Smiles

1. What if an adult tooth is coming in and the baby tooth is still in the mouth?

This is a very common problem, especially in the front lower incisors. If the teeth are loose, they may come out own their own within a few weeks. If the baby teeth are not loose, your dentist may need to extract the baby teeth. In either case, it is best to make an appointment with your dentist so that the situation can be analyzed and the best course of action taken for your child.

2. Should we bother to restore or place fillings on baby teeth? Won't they eventually fall out anyway?

It is unwise to leave any amount of decay on baby teeth. Decay can easily move to other baby teeth or even to permanent teeth. It can also cause pain, infection and expensive orthodontic problems that could have been avoided. We recommend carefully restoring all decayed teeth to optimal health.

3. Why is it necessary to bring my child to the dentist every six months?

Regular visits help a child get comfortable with the dentists and our staff. These visits also allow us to consistently evaluate your child's growth and take early corrective measures if needed. Also, regular exams and cleanings help prevent decay and avoid costly problems. Regular dental visits are part of leading a healthy and normal life for your child.

4. My 8-year-old has a large space between his/her two front teeth. Is this a concern?

Usually there is no need for concern, and the space will close furing the next few years as the other front teeth erupt. We will monitor progress during exams and help you determine if orthodontics may be recommended.

5. If my child had a lot of decay in his/her baby teeth, will he/she have the same problem with permanent teeth?

Generally, the health of your child's permanent teeth will be affected by the same conditions that affected the baby teeth. This is another reason why it is important for your child to visit our office on a regular basis.

6. Why do my child's permanent teeth look more yellow than the baby teeth?

Permanent teeth are normally more yellow than primary teeth. This situation is accentuated when adult teeth are next to baby teeth in the mouth.

7. Are dental X-rays safe for my child?

There is very little risk from receiving dental X-rays. Our state-of-the-art technology utilizes a fraction of the radiation used in the past. X-rays are highly valuable to find hidden decay, tumors and determine growth patters.

8. Should I protect my child's teeth during sports related activities?

Yes! We generally recommend that a soft plastic mouth guard should be used to protect a child's teeth, lips, and cheeks from injuries. If your child plays contact sports, we can create a custom fitted mouth guard for this purpose.

9. What should I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?

The most important thing to do is to remain calm. If you have the tooth, you should attempt to insert it back into its socket and then contact us immediately. If you have difficulty re-inserting the tooth, place it in a glass of milk and contact us immediately.

10. How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?

Each child's intake can vary greatly. We recommend discussing this during your child's exam. If your child's fluoride intake is insufficient, we will often prescribe fluoride supplementation.

As of 2007, Orange County began fluoridating the public water supply, thus eliminating the need for fluoride supplementation for most patients.

11. Why should my child have fluoride?

Fluoride has been shown to dramatically decrease the chance of getting cavities. Many of our adult patients who grew up with regular dental care and fluoride supplementation have few or no dental problems.

12. What toothpaste is best for my child?

Any fluoridated toothpaste that is recognized by the American Dental Association is recommended. Children who are unable to spit out the toothpaste after brushing should use non-fluoridated or "training" toothpaste, or a wet toothbrush.

13. What causes cavities and decay?

Decay is caused by plaque -- a thin, sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone's teeth. When sugar is eaten, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack the tooth enamel. After repeated acid attacks, the enamel breaks down and a cavity or hole is formed in the tooth.

14. When should my child see a dentist for the first time?

We recommend that all children see their pediatric dentist by their first birthday. This policy is endorsed by both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. At this initial visit, a caries risk assessment is performed so that appropriate preventive strategies can be implemented for each child and reduce each child's risk of preventable dental disease.

15. What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?

Pediatric dentists are general dentists who complete two or more years of training after dental school. They receive a detailed education in childhood development, orthodontics and child psychology. During this training they work only with children. Because of this, they gain experience in dealing with kids during different developmental stages. A pediatric dentist uses special equipment for children, such as smaller x-ray film.

16. When should my child see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends children have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven. Dr. Sarah will provide guidance to parents as to their child's developing bite and any problems she sees. At Jungle of Smiles we are fortunate to have orthodontics on site at our office. Dr. Bobby can immediately address any concerns you may have about your child's bite, and by working together Dr. Sarah and Dr. Bobby can share records and provide the most cohesive treatment available to correct your child's smile.