Dental FAQs For Kids
Vancouver, WA
 At Alder Dental we hear several familiar questions, almost daily, from both our young patients and their parents. Asking questions is always strongly encouraged, as it will reassure patients and parents alike. Some of these frequently asked questions are easy to answer.
Do Baby Teeth Truly Matter?
We all know that baby teeth will fall out in due time. However if baby teeth are not well taken care of, they can become decayed and infected. Baby teeth have an important job to do for your children’s oral and physical health. These milk teeth help children to learn to eat a variety of solid foods. They also help to preserve space for your children’s developing permanent teeth to erupt. These baby teeth also help you to learn how to correctly speak with clarity.
How Important Is Teeth Brushing?
Whether it is baby teeth or permanent teeth, it is important that they are brushed. Neglecting to brush teeth puts them at a higher risk for developing cavities and advanced decay. It may not seem that it is important to protect baby teeth if they are going to fall out. However, that decay can result in a serious infection that can potentially spread into the adult tooth that is developing below the baby tooth. This infection can potentially enter the bloodstream and make a child quite ill. Brushing teeth can help to prevent cavities and keep the teeth healthy.
Is Brushing Needed Daily?
Absolutely. Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day. Brushing in the morning and brushing in the evening before bed is the ideal. A cleaner mouth will mean that there is less active bacteria, which translates to a healthier mouth.
Is Flossing Important?
In most situations, the spaces that are between your teeth are quite narrow. The bristles of your toothbrush will not be able to get in between these small spaces to work out any food particles that may be trapped between the teeth. Flossing will allow you to remove these stuck food particles. The result will be healthier teeth and a reduced risk for cavities.
How Important Is Toothpaste?
Toothpaste can prove to be very important for the health of your teeth. Toothpaste that contains fluoride can help to keep teeth strong. For children, toothpaste that is in some of their favorite flavors can help to encourage them to brush their teeth.
How Important Are Checkups and Cleanings?
Cavities can become a concern in a really short period of time. The sooner that any decay is noticed and treated, the better the results of the treatment will be. The six-month checkup appointment allows our dentist to examine the health of each tooth and the health of the gums. A professional cleaning every six months also allows for a check on the health of the teeth and gums. It will help to prevent gum disease before it becomes a serious concern. Children are just as at risk for gum disease as adults are.
Will Treating My Cavity Hurt?
It may sound worrisome, but cavities are very easily treated. Our dentist will ensure that you are comfortable with each part of the treatment. The sooner that cavities are treated, the more likely it is to keep it from becoming a bigger concern. The cavity will be treated with a filling, and get the tooth restored to good health. There will be no discomfort for the duration of the treatment.
What If I Need Braces?
Braces and other types of orthodontic solutions can address misalignment concerns. Not every patient will be in need of braces. If there is a family history of braces, there are good odds that you will need braces. Only a consultation with our pediatric dentist will determine whether your teeth and jaw position will benefit from orthodontic treatment.
At Alder Dental we encourage our patients to ask the questions that are on their minds. Call (360) 831-0831 to schedule your child’s next routine checkup or professional cleaning. |
