Frequently Asked Questions

For optimal growth and development, it's essential for your child to consume a balanced and natural diet that includes essential nutrients. The daily diet should consist of the major food groups such as meat/fish/eggs, vegetables/fruit, bread/cereal, milk and dairy products.

Yes, a balanced diet is critical for the proper development of your child's teeth and gums. A diet high in sugar and other carbohydrates increases the risk of tooth decay.

A balanced diet is key to maintaining good dental health. Reduce the frequency of starchy foods such as bread, pasta, and potato chips. Also, sugar is not just found in candy. Most milk-based products contain sugar too. To minimize sugar intake and increase nutrient content, consider replacing jelly with fresh fruit slices or dried fruit and limiting peanut butter, which is high in fat. Choose the no-salt-added variety to lower sodium levels.

No, these foods are essential for your child's health. Eating starchy foods during a full meal is safer for their teeth. Foods that cling to the teeth are more challenging to remove with saliva, water, or other drinks. Our team can provide advice on your child's diet and proper dental care.

To prevent infant tooth decay, we suggest not putting your child to bed with a bottle of milk, juice, or formula. When a child sleeps, any liquid left in the mouth can promote bacteria that produce acid, which can harm their teeth. A pacifier or water bottle is an appropriate alternative.

Contact our office as soon as possible.

Rinse the dislodged tooth in cool water, but don't scrub it. If possible, insert the tooth back into its socket and hold it in place with a clean towel. If you can't reinsert the tooth, put it in a container of milk and visit our office immediately. Every second counts when it comes to preserving a knocked-out tooth. Call our emergency number if it's after hours.

Please contact our office right away. Our aim is to save the tooth and prevent infection. Rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you find the broken tooth fragment, it may be possible to bond it back to the tooth.

Schedule an appointment with our office as soon as you can. A toothache can have several causes, and an exam and possibly a radiograph will help our doctor diagnose and treat the issue.

Many dental injuries occur during sports. To prevent injury, your child should wear a mouthguard, which you can buy at a sporting goods store or have a custom one made at our office. Childproofing your home can also prevent unwanted dental injuries from occurring.

Tooth sealants refer to a plastic material that a dentist bonds onto the grooves of the chewing surface of a tooth, aimed at preventing the formation of decay.

Sealants help prevent tooth decay by making the tooth surface smoother and flatter, eliminating areas where plaque can build up. Children often find it difficult to clean the tiny grooves between their teeth, but with a sealant applied, brushing and flossing become easier, reducing the risk of decay.

The lifespan of tooth sealants can vary, but those that have remained in place for 3-5 years are considered successful. Sealants can last much longer and our dentist will check them during routine visits, recommending repairs or reapplication as needed.

Any tooth that shows signs of developing decay should be sealed. Back teeth, especially molars, are the most common teeth to be sealed, but the decision should be made on a case-by-case basis.

Placing tooth sealants typically only requires one visit. The process is simple, involving cleaning, conditioning, and drying the tooth, before the sealant is flowed onto the grooves, hardened with a special blue light, and buffed. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the appointment.

Brushing and flossing are just as crucial after getting tooth sealants. Sealants are just one aspect of protecting against tooth decay and maintaining good oral hygiene is still essential.

Tooth sealants are an affordable way to protect against tooth decay, and many dental insurance companies cover the treatment. Contact your insurance company to check the coverage for your child.

A mouth guard is a soft plastic device that fits over the upper teeth to protect them from sports-related injuries. It also protects the lips, cheeks, tongue, and jawbone, and can reduce the risk of head and neck injuries such as concussions. Children should wear a mouth guard during any sport-related activity where there is a risk of head, face, or neck injury.

Your child should wear a mouth guard during sports such as hockey, soccer, karate, basketball, baseball, skating, skateboarding, and others where there is a risk of head, face, or neck injury.

When choosing a mouth guard for your child, prioritize comfort. If a mouth guard feels bulky or interferes with speech, it may not be appropriate for your child. Athletic stores offer various options in mouth guards, but the least expensive ones tend to be less effective in preventing oral injuries. Consider a customized mouth guard provided by our practice for a more comfortable and shock absorbent option, even though it may be a bit more expensive.