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What should I use to clean my baby's teeth?
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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 at least once a day at bedtime.
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When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?
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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.
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What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
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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.
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Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
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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?
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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, a mouth
appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist.
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How can I prevent decay caused by nursing?
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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 a pediatric dentist regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The
first dental visit should be scheduled by your child's first birthday.
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How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?
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A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental
problems. However, your pediatric dentist 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?
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The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant
toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing
twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush.
Use a "smear" of toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age.
For the 2-5 year old, dispense a "pea-size" amount of toothpaste and perform or
assist your child’s tooth brushing. Remember that young children do not have the
ability to brush their teeth effectively. Children should spit out and not swallow
excess toothpaste after brushing.
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How do I make my child's diet safe for his teeth?
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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. You can also ask your pediatric dentist to help you select foods
that protect your children's teeth.
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How can parents help prevent tooth decay?
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Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning with the eruption of the first tooth. Then, the dentist can recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for parents to supervise and teach to their children. These home treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.
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