Family Dentist: What to Ask About Baby Teeth

Seeing a family dentist is important for the whole family, but it’s especially important for kids because it prevents tooth decay and gum disease and prevents potentially painful dental procedures down the line. Whether it’s your baby popping through his first tooth, or your mom who needs dentures. Everyone in the family wants a dentist they can feel comfortable with, and also be treated by someone who they can trust. Our family dentist at Olathe Dental Care Center takes pride in our clients.

There’s more to baby teeth than you may think! Our family dentist at Olathe Dental Care Center in Olathe, KS, has found that one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay in children is to get them started early with daily tooth brushing. Our philosophy is that establishing healthy routines at a young age will help children grow up with strong, healthy teeth that give them confident smiles. The top 5 most asked questions about baby teeth include:

1. Do Baby Teeth Matter? – In short, yes. Like adult teeth, baby teeth are used for things like chewing, speaking, and smiling. However, they are smaller and spaced further apart, so they also play an important role in maintaining space for their permanent teeth to come in.
2. How and When Should I Teach My Child to Brush Their Teeth? – Use a child friendly toothpaste that has a low fluoride amount, the less the better. This way you can still teach them the importance of brushing and protect their baby teeth from damage. At such a young age, when confidence is so critical to personal and social development, we want to keep every tooth we can!
3. When Should Kids Have Their First Dental Appointment? – The ADA and AAPD recommend children have their first family dentist appointment within six months of their first tooth erupting, and no later than the child’s first birthday. It’s helpful to introduce them to our staff and office so that when they come in, they are comfortable with everyone there.
4. Is My Child Drinking Too Much Juice? – One of the leading causes of cavities in children is juice. If you find that your family dentist is seeing spots on your child’s teeth, it may be helpful to ask questions.
5. When Should My Childs First Teeth Come Out? – Being concerned about your child’s baby teeth is completely normal as a parent. All children lose their baby teeth at different times, it’s normal for a child to be a little sooner or even later than his siblings or peers.

One main thing is to be completely honest and up front when your kids ask questions about their procedures and what is going on. As well as being completely up front and honest with your family dentist about any questions or concerns you have.

Olathe Dental Care Center knows how important seeing a family dentist is for children as it prevents painful procedures in the future by preventing tooth decay and gum disease. If you are concerned about your child’s teeth or have any other questions for the family dentist, call Olathe Dental Care Center at (913) 782-1420. You can also request an appointment online! We look forward to seeing you soon!