Our Most Common Questions

A checkup every six months is generally recommended. However, your pediatric dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your child’s personal oral health.

Dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth. Sealants help to prevent decay in the pits and grooves of back teeth. They do not prevent decay on all surfaces of the tooth. Proper brushing and flossing is still necessary, or decay can develop.

Water in Duval County is naturally fluoridated to optimum levels. Ingestion of fluoride through the food chain and water system is sufficient for proper dental development in this county. At home, however, water filters may remove some or all fluoride from your tap water. Check with the filter manufacturer or have the water tested if you have concerns regarding the level of fluoride. Bottled water may contain fluoride, depending on where it was bottled and what type of filtration was used in that process. The fluoride in toothpaste and anticavity mouthrinses can also help minimize dental decay, and even stop the progression of decay, if used with proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Thumb and pacifier habits will generally become a problem only if they go on for a long period of time. Forcefulness and duration of the habits are important factors in determining their effect on the teeth and jaws. Most children stop these habits on their own; but if they continue into the school years, your pediatric dentist may recommend a mouth appliance or a visit with an orthodontist.

There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. The use of a lead apron and digital radiography ensures safety and minimizes the amount of radiation.

Helping your child brush and floss regularly will play a crucial role in preventing tooth decay. Limiting the frequency of juice, milk, soda, candy and certain snacks will also play a big part in preventing dental decay. Visit the dentist regularly, beginning with the eruption of the first tooth. Proper oral hygiene, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a healthy smile for a lifetime.

A toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Use any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head. A brush designed specifically for infants would be best. Brush at least once a day, preferably twice, and always before bedtime.

Before teeth erupt, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush, or with moist cloth or gauze. After teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using nonfluoridated toothpaste and a soft, infant toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste in very small amounts only (about half the size of a grain of rice) for children between the ages of 1 and 2. For children from 2 to 5 years old, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Brush your child’s teeth or assist with brushing. Remember that it takes many years before children are old enough to brush their teeth effectively on their own. Supervision is also important to ensure that they don’t swallow excess toothpaste.

Helping your child brush and floss regularly will play a crucial role in preventing tooth decay. Limiting the frequency of juice, milk, soda, candy and certain snacks will also play a big part in preventing dental decay. Visit the dentist regularly, beginning with the eruption of the first tooth. Proper oral hygiene, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a healthy smile for a lifetime.

A soft-plastic, custom-fitted mouthguard fabricated by a pediatric dentist or orthodontist can protect teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sports-related injuries.

The most important thing to do is to find the tooth. Hold it by the crown (top) rather than the root, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk. Take your child and the glass immediately to the closest emergency room or pediatric dentist.

First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water. Place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums. See a dentist as soon as possible.