The following information is provided as a general guide for patient education. Please consult your dentist, hygienist, physician or other health care provider for additional information as needed.

• When should my child have his/her first dental visit?
  
  Their first visit should be six months after the first tooth is visible, or at one year of age if that is sooner.
  
   
• How often should my child go to the dentist?
  
  Your dentist and/or dental hygienist will determine how often your child should be seen based on factors such as home care, diet, fluoride availability and use, and history of decay.
  
   
• Why are xrays taken?
  
  Xrays are needed for different reasons. "Bitewing" xrays are needed to check for decay between the teeth. Other xrays are taken to check on the health of the root or nerve or to check on missing or unerupted teeth. Your dentist and/or hygienist will give an explanation for the specific xrays needed.
  
   
• Are baby teeth important?
  
  "Baby teeth" aren't just for babies! Actually called "primary teeth," the front ones are used for about 5 to 7 years before losing them to make room for the erupting permanent teeth. Primary molar teeth, toward the back of the mouth, are used until about age 12 to 14. "Baby" or "adult" teeth are important for chewing, speaking, supporting facial features, and smiling – an important part of social interactions. Primary teeth have the additional job of holding space so the permanent teeth can have room to come in.
  
   
• How do I help care for my baby's teeth?
  
  Oral care begins at birth. Use a damp washcloth or piece of gauze to gently rub your infant's gums. This will clean off the formula/breast milk residue and help to establish a routine of daily oral care. Continue using a damp washcloth or gauze as the baby is teething. Your dentist, dental hygienist, or pediatrician will then guide you on the transition to using a toothbrush.
  
  Establish good eating habits. Never use sugary drinks such as sodas, Kool-aid, or tea in your baby's bottle. Use the bottle only for formula, milk, or water. Never put your baby to bed with a bottle of anything other than water. Your baby can begin drinking from a cup at age 6 to 8 months. Fruit juices should be real juice (100% juice on the label) not juice beverages, such as Hawaiian Punch or Hi-C. Fruit juice can be diluted with water and given in limited quantities.
  
   
• How do I help my child brush his/her teeth?
  
  Be a good example! Let your child see you taking care of your teeth and gums. Be involved with your child's oral care.
  
  Brushing should be done twice each day to develop children's good dental habits and to increase their skills. Effective brushing – brushing every surface of every tooth – is more important than the length of time spent brushing. That said, general guidelines are that young children should brush (or be brushed) two times daily for at least a minute. An adult needs to brush either before or after children at least once per day until children have the ability to effectively brush on their own (at about 8 years of age, or when they can write in cursive).
  
   
• What should I do if I can't get my child to brush his/her teeth?
  
  Add some fun or silliness to the routine. If right handed, ask the child to try brushing left handed. Can you brush standing on one foot? Take a turn brushing mom's teeth. Can you brush your teeth in the bathtub?
  
   
• Why can't I rinse with a mouthwash instead of brushing?
  
  Bacterial plaque is a sticky film of germs that adheres to teeth and gums. Friction from a toothbrush and floss is necessary to loosen that sticky film. This is similar to other types of cleaning. Can you get dirty dishes clean just by running water over them? No, you also need friction to get them clean.
  
   
• What kind of toothbrush is best for my child?
  
  Using the toothbrush effectively and regularly are the important issues. A soft-bristled brush that has a comfortable handle for your child's hand and an appropriate size brush head (small for children) will work best. Some children like battery-operated or electric toothbrushes, some do not. Let your child be involved in the toothbrush selection process, even if his/her choice is limited to color. Toothbrushes should be discarded and replaced about every 3 months, or sooner if the bristles are splayed or worn.
  
   
• What kind of toothpaste should my child be using?
  
  Most toothpastes on the market are appropriate for children, except whitening toothpastes which can be harsh and sometimes cause sensitivity. Most toothpastes contain fluoride, which is important for preventing tooth decay. The key is to use only a tiny amount. Young children often suck on the toothbrush and swallow the toothpaste. Children can become ill from swallowing too much toothpaste.
  
   
• Why is flossing important?
  
  Flossing is important to help remove bacterial plaque between the teeth and under the gums, areas a toothbrush cannot reach. Bacterial plaque left on the teeth and gums can lead to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Establish the twice-a-day brushing habit first, then add flossing. Flossing should be done once a day. Young children do not have the dexterity to floss, but parents can help them until they are old enough to floss on their own.
  
   
• What are some tips for helping older children and teens to brush and floss?
  
  The very best way is to establish good oral care habits when your child is young. Continue to be involved as your child grows. Make oral health a priority by being a good example, getting regular dental care, and being interested and involved in your child's oral care habits. If getting a later start on establishing good home care habits, the same guidelines apply. Teens may also be influenced by the "look good, smell good" reasons for brushing and flossing.
  
   
• Is candy bad for teeth?
  
  Candy on a regular basis is harmful to teeth and does not provide good nutrition for the body. Sucking on hard candies, such as LifeSavers, and chewing sticky candy, such as gummies, can be quite harmful to teeth. To help reduce the effects of the sugar, rinse your mouth with water after having candy or other sweets. An alternative to candy can be sugar-free chewing gum.
  
   
• Teeth can be fixed, so why is tooth decay a problem?
  
  If decay is not treated soon enough, it can cause an abscess, which is a severe infection, possibly life-threatening. Even without an abscess, extensive decay can cause loss of the tooth. If found early, treating decay requires removing the decayed part of the tooth and replacing that area with another material. That tooth will never be as strong or as resistant to decay as the original enamel of the tooth.
  
   
• Is gum disease a problem for children?
  
  Gum disease is a problem for anyone who develops it, and it is more common than the common cold. Children (and adults) can develop gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums, or periodontal disease, which is loss of bone around the root of the tooth, due to poor brushing and flossing habits. Advanced gum disease can cause loss of teeth. Preventing gum disease and tooth decay is the best route to take.
  
   
• How does piercing my tongue affect my mouth?
  
  The tongue is more susceptible to infection at the piercing site. A metal barbell placed through the hole in the tongue can chip or fracture teeth, usually the lower front ones. Plastic bar bells are available and may be less likely to damage teeth. A pierced chin can cause gum recession on the lower front teeth making those teeth more susceptible to decay.
  
   
• Is smokeless tobacco bad for teeth?
  
  All tobacco is harmful to teeth and the whole body. Smokeless tobacco can cause oral lesions and oral cancers. It is high in sugars, which can cause tooth decay. Smoking can contribute to gum disease. It is very difficult to quit a tobacco habit – so the best advice is not to start!

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