Frequently Asked Questions in Cherry Hill, Glen Mills, & Philadelphia
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At Cobblestone Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we’re all about empowering our Cherry Hill, Glen Mills, and Philadelphia patients with the info they want to know.
We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to address common concerns and provide you with the answers you're looking for. Read on to discover valuable insights and tips that will help you navigate your child's oral health journey with confidence.
A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist who focuses on the oral health needs of infants, children, and adolescents. They undergo additional years of specialized training beyond dental school, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive dental care specifically tailored to children.
Pediatric dentists have extensive experience and expertise in managing the unique dental needs of children. They create a child-friendly environment, use age-appropriate techniques, and have a deep understanding of child development.
By choosing a pediatric dentist in Philadelphia or Cherry Hill, you ensure your child receives specialized care that is gentle, comforting, and tailored to their individual needs.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and our Cobblestone Kids doctors recommend scheduling your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth eruption.
Early dental visits help establish a dental home, allow for preventive care, and enable our team to monitor oral development from an early stage.
Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, usually start erupting between six and twelve months of age. However, the timing can vary for each child.
The lower front teeth are typically the first to emerge, followed by the upper front teeth and then the molars.
Baby teeth play a vital role in your child's oral health and development. They help with chewing, speech development, and holding space for permanent teeth.
Early loss of baby teeth due to decay or other issues can lead to alignment problems and affect the proper eruption of permanent teeth.
Even before the first tooth erupts, it's important to care for your infant's mouth. Use a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe their gums after feeding.
Once teeth start coming in, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle or sippy cup containing anything other than water.
As soon as your child's teeth start erupting, it's time to start brushing! Use a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Begin flossing when adjacent teeth touch, usually around the age of two.
Once your child can spit out toothpaste and not swallow it, you can start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Be sure to supervise brushing to ensure they don't swallow excessive toothpaste.
Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and protects against tooth decay. It is crucial for your child's oral health as it helps prevent cavities and promotes strong, healthy teeth.
Fluoride can be obtained through fluoridated water, toothpaste, and professional fluoride treatments.
Dental X-rays are safe and essential for diagnosing dental conditions that may not be visible to the naked eye.
At Cobblestone Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we use advanced digital X-ray technology, which significantly reduces radiation exposure compared to traditional X-rays. We take every precaution to ensure the safety of your child during X-ray procedures.
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). They create a barrier that seals out food particles and bacteria, helping to prevent cavities.
Sealants are especially effective in protecting the vulnerable grooves and crevices of the teeth, where decay often starts.
Too much pacifier use or thumb sucking can sometimes affect the alignment of your child's teeth and the development of their jaw.
Most Philadelphia and Cherry Hill children naturally outgrow these habits, but if they persist past the age of three, it's important to discuss it with a pediatric dentist who can provide guidance and appropriate intervention if necessary.
A balanced and nutritious diet plays a crucial role in your child's oral health. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, as sugar feeds the bacteria in the mouth and contributes to tooth decay.
Encourage a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products, which provide essential nutrients for healthy teeth and gums.
To limit your child's sugar intake, offer them water instead of sugary drinks, limit the consumption of candy and sweets, and choose healthier snack options like fruits, vegetables, and cheese. Establishing good dietary habits early on promotes long-term oral health.
Ideally, children should transition from a bottle to a regular cup by the age of one. Encourage your child to use a regular cup as they develop their motor skills.
Extended bottle or sippy cup use can contribute to tooth decay, as continuous exposure to sugary liquids can lead to cavities.
Parents play a crucial role in preventing tooth decay in their children. Establish a consistent oral hygiene routine, promote a healthy diet, limit sugary snacks and drinks, ensure regular dental check-ups, and encourage good oral habits like proper brushing and flossing techniques.
If your child complains of a toothache, gently clean the area around the affected tooth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food debris that may be causing discomfort.
Contact our office to schedule an appointment so we can evaluate the situation and provide appropriate treatment.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, it's crucial to act quickly. Rinse the tooth with water (do not scrub), place it back into the socket if possible, and hold it in place.
If you can't reinsert it, put it in a container of milk or saliva. Contact our office immediately for emergency dental care.
Having two teeth growing in the same spot is a common occurrence in children and is often referred to as "shark teeth."
In most cases, the baby tooth will naturally become loose and fall out to allow the permanent tooth to take its place. Monitor the situation, and if the baby tooth doesn't loosen on its own, consult a pediatric dentist for evaluation.
A space maintainer is a dental appliance used to hold space for a permanent tooth when a baby tooth is lost prematurely.
It prevents adjacent teeth from shifting into the empty space, ensuring proper alignment and minimizing the need for orthodontic treatment in the future.