Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Welcome to the Just Baby Teeth Pediatric Dentistry FAQ page! We understand that parents have many questions about their child’s dental care. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive.

General Questions

Q: When should my child have their first dental visit?
A: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears. Early visits help establish good oral health habits and catch any potential issues early.

Q: How often should my child see the dentist?
A: Children should visit the dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning. Regular visits help prevent cavities and keep their teeth healthy.

Q: What happens during my child’s first dental visit?
A: The first visit is usually short and focused on getting your child comfortable with the dental office. We will examine their teeth, gums, and bite, provide gentle cleaning, and discuss oral care tips with parents.

Preventive Care

Q: How can I prevent cavities in my child’s teeth?
A: To prevent cavities, ensure your child brushes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flosses daily, eats a healthy diet low in sugar, and visits the dentist regularly for cleanings and fluoride treatments.

Q: At what age should my child start using fluoride toothpaste?
A: As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). Once your child is 3 years old, use a pea-sized amount.

Q: Are dental sealants necessary for my child?
A: Yes! Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection for your child’s molars, reducing the risk of cavities by sealing the grooves where bacteria can hide.

Common Dental Concerns

Q: What should I do if my child has a toothache?
A: First, check if food is stuck between their teeth and gently floss the area. If the pain persists, give them a child-safe pain reliever and schedule an appointment as soon as possible to identify the cause.

Q: My child knocked out a tooth! What should I do?
A: If it’s a baby tooth, do not try to reinsert it. Contact us immediately for guidance. If it’s a permanent tooth, rinse it gently (without scrubbing), place it back in the socket if possible, or store it in milk and seek emergency dental care immediately.

Q: What can I do if my child is scared of the dentist?
A: Our office is designed to make visits fun and stress-free! You can help by talking positively about the dentist, reading books about dental visits, and letting them bring a favorite toy or stuffed animal for comfort.

Orthodontics & Growth

Q: Will my child need braces?
A: It depends on their bite and alignment. Around age 7, we evaluate for potential orthodontic issues and can refer to an orthodontist if needed.

Q: What are space maintainers, and does my child need one?
A: Space maintainers help keep space open if a baby tooth is lost too early. This prevents shifting that could cause alignment problems when permanent teeth come in.

Insurance & Office Policies

Q: Do you accept my insurance?
A: We accept most major private insurances and Medicaid. Call our office or visit our insurance page for more details.

Q: What if we miss an appointment?
A: We understand things happen! However, we ask for at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations. Repeated missed appointments may affect future scheduling availability.

Q: Do you offer sedation for anxious children?
A: Yes, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) depending on your child’s needs and treatment plan.

Contact Us

Still have questions? Check out our helpful links below to get in touch!

We look forward to keeping your child’s smile healthy and happy!