Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should my child visit the dentist?

The American Dental Association recommends that a child's first visit to the dentist should occur by 12 months of age. This visit will enable the dentist to evaluate your child and introduce you to proper oral hygiene. Diet, fluoride, finger and pacifier habits and tooth eruption will be discussed to insure optimal dental health.

How important is a child's diet in the prevention of cavities?

While good oral hygiene is of utmost importance in the prevention of cavities, lack of a proper diet can have a tremendous impact on a child's cavity rate. It is important to limit not only the quantity of sugary food and drinks that your child consumes, but also the frequency. You should think of cavity formation as a process. Each time a sweet substance comes in contact with teeth, the cavity process begins. The more times in a day that you consume something sweet, the longer the cavity process is underway. By nature, many children like to snack or graze throughout the day and many of the foods which children enjoy are loaded with sugar. Even foods which we sometimes consider "healthy" can be very high in sugar content. Examples include: yogurt, granola bars, cereal and chocolate milk. If you are uncertain as to how much sugar a food item has, check the label.

What guidelines will help children remain cavity free?

• Brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day (for children 2 years or older.)
• Floss children's teeth once a day.
• Visit your pediatric or general dentist regularly.
• Get enough fluoride through drinking water, or fluoride supplements, if necessary.
• Have sealants applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent back teeth or molars.
• Snack moderately-no more than twice a day. Try to snack on items with minimal or no sugar content.

Tips for helping children develop positive dental habits.

• Set a good example
• Make good oral health a family effort
• Show children that daily brushing and flossing, limited snacking and regular dental checkups are necessary for good oral health
• Support your child when they are able to brush and floss on their own- assisting and performing spot checks as needed
• Read to your child about dental health and how to keep their teeth clean and cavity free.

Sealants and who can benefit from them?

The chewing surface of children's teeth are the most susceptible to cavities and least benefited from fluorides. Sealants are adhesive coatings that are applied to the tops of teeth and can be very effective in preventing tooth decay. Current research has shown that 4 out of 5 cavities in children under age 15 develop on the biting surface of back molars. Molars are the most decayed teeth because food and plaque accumulate in the tiny grooves of the chewing surfaces. Sealants prevent the cavities that fluoride cannot effectively reach.

What are composites (tooth colored fillings)?

Composites or tooth colored fillings are used to "fill" areas of decay, and /or restore fractured teeth in which cosmetic appearance is important. The shade of the restoration material is matched as closely as possible to the color of the natural tooth. This is typically the restoration of choice, unless treatment conditions dictate the use of another material.

What are Stainless Steel Crowns?

Stainless steel crowns are silver colored "caps" used to restore teeth that are too badly decayed to hold fillings, need a nerve treatment, or when durability is a concern. Crowns with white facings or complete tooth colored crowns can be used on front teeth.

What is a Pulpotomy?

This procedure is a nerve treatment in which the sick portion of the tooth nerve is removed and medicine is placed in order to avoid extracting the tooth.

What is Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen?

Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) is breathed by your child with oxygen during the restorative appointment. It can be used to relax a mildly anxious child who is still cooperative and can help minimize discomfort.

What are Space Maintainers?

A space maintainer is used to hold space for a permanent tooth when a baby tooth has been prematurely lost. If space is not maintained, teeth on either side of the missing tooth can drift into the space and prevent the permanent tooth from erupting.

Why are "baby teeth" important?

Primary teeth have been labeled "baby teeth." However, the first tooth is usually lost around age 6 and some primary molars must remain in place until 12 or 13 years of age. Primary teeth are necessary for proper chewing, speech, development of the jaws and esthetics. Care of the primary teeth is important not only for proper function, but also to avoid a number of unpleasant conditions, such as pain or infection, that result from their neglect.

Tooth Eruption Chart

What do I do if my child is in an accident?

If your child has an accident, please call our office as soon as possible. We will see your child immediately. If it is an after-hours emergency, a pager number will be given on the answering machine. If you are unable to reach a member of our staff for any reason, proceed to the emergency room if you feel it is necessary, or contact your own general dentist to ensure treatment in a timely manner.

The first few minutes after an accident are the most critical to treatment of dental trauma. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, gently rinse, but do not scrub the tooth under water. Replace the tooth in the socket if possible. If this is impossible, place the tooth in a glass of milk or a clean wet cloth and come to the office immediately. If the tooth is fractured, please bring in any pieces you can find.

Do special children have special dental needs?

Yes. Some children with disabilities are more susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease or oral trauma. They may require medication, special diets, or possess oral habits detrimental to dental health. If dental care is started early and followed conscientiously, every child can enjoy a healthy smile.

What are athletic mouth protectors?

Athletic mouth protectors are soft plastic mouth guards made specifically for your child's teeth. They protect the teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue. They can help protect children from such serious head and neck injuries as concussions and jaw fractures. Increasingly, organized sports are requiring mouth guards to prevent injury to their athletes. Research shows that most oral injuries occur when athletes are not wearing mouth protection.

Are thumb, finger and pacifier habits bad for the teeth and jaws?

The majority of children stop sucking on thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or other objects on their own between two and three years of age without any harm being done to their teeth or jaws. However, children that repeatedly suck on a finger, pacifier or other object over long periods of time may cause the upper front teeth to tip toward the lip or not come in properly. Dr. Borg will carefully monitor the way your child's teeth come in and jaws develop. Often times, problems that arise related to oral habits will correct themselves if stopped in a timely manner. However, the longer the habit persists, the more likely it is the cause a permanent problem.

What can I do to stop my child's habit?

The majority of children stop sucking habits on their own. Some children may need the help of their parents. When your child is old enough to understand the possible results of a sucking habit, Dr. Borg can encourage your child to stop and talk about what happens to the teeth if your child doesn't stop. It is very important to get children to want to stop and realize that this is a part of growing up. This will greatly increase the chances of terminating the habit. A reward system can often help accomplish this. Once a child wants to stop, subtle reminders such as band-aids on their thumbs will help a child accomplish the goal. If all other options have been exhausted, Dr. Borg may discuss the use of a fixed dental appliance to discourage the habit.