We love to answer all your questions.

Your child will be wailing, but your job is to stay calm, which reassures them and makes treatment easier. Mouth injuries bleed a lot and seem horrible, but feel confident that we see this all the time and know exactly what to do—your cutie will be OK. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, gently rinse it with water if it’s dirty but don’t scrub it or remove any attached tissue. 

Try reinserting the tooth into the socket. If that doesn’t work, place it in a container of milk or saline solution. Either way, come to our office immediately. Getting care within 30 minutes of the accident greatly increases the chances of saving the tooth. If it’s a baby tooth, we usually don’t reinsert it, but still bring your child in so the dentist can assess the damage.

For pain relief, you can give your child over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, according to the dosage instructions. Apply a cold pack to the outside of the mouth or cheek to reduce swelling. Some kids get relief by sucking a popsicle. If swelling or pain persists, or if there’s a significant injury or significant swelling, call us right away to get care.

For severe issues like uncontrolled bleeding, significant pain, or facial swelling, seek immediate medical attention. If you can’t reach us through our emergency contact number or after-hours service, go to the nearest urgent care or emergency room. Call us as soon as possible to follow up with the dentist.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children have a dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth comes in. Early visits allow us to monitor dental development, prevent future problems, and introduce good oral hygiene practices.

Just like adults, children should have dental check-ups every six months. Regular visits catch potential problems early and reinforce good oral hygiene habits. Plus, we can give kids sealants and fluoride treatments, which play a key role in preventing cavities and other issues.

Start brushing your child’s teeth twice daily as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a super soft-bristled toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). Start flossing once teeth and encourage daily practice. Brush your teeth with them so they have a good example to follow and provide your child a balanced diet low in sugary snacks and drinks.

Fluoride treatments are beneficial for most children because fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, helping prevent cavities. We recommend fluoride use based on individual risk factors, such as a history of cavities or poor oral hygiene. If you’re not sure, the dentist will be happy to discuss your child’s specific needs at their appointment.

Absolutely. We use modern high-speed film and digital technology that has very low radiation. All of our patients wear protective lead aprons during the X-ray. X-rays are crucial for diagnosing issues not visible during a clinical exam, such as cavities between teeth or developmental problems under the gums.

Yes. Early signs include visible white spots on the teeth, dark or discolored areas, sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, and toothache. In advanced cases, you might see obvious holes or pits in the teeth. Regular dental check-ups can help detect cavities before symptoms develop, but if you see early signs, schedule a visit! Most often we restore the tooth’s function and prevent further decay using a tooth-colored filling.