Pediatric Dentist FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Our pediatric dentist FAQ answers the questions parents ask us most: when to book a first visit, how to handle teething, thumb sucking, cavities in baby teeth, sedation, and what to expect at Little Kids Dentistry. Tap a question to open the answer.
When should I bring my child to the dentist for the first check-up?
Your child should visit the pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears in his/her mouth and no later than the first birthday of the child. This will help prevent early childhood tooth decay as well as educate parents about proper teeth brushing and dietary habits of their child that may promote positive oral health.
📖 Learn more in the Smile Academy: First Dental Visit Prep: Games and Stories for 6–12 Month-Olds · Toddler Dental Visits: How Parents Can Take Part · A Parent’s Guide to Baby Teeth: More Than Just Practice
What's the best way to brush my baby's teeth?
There are toothbrushes designed specifically for infants, however, any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head will work just fine. Make sure you brush your baby's teeth at least once a day before bedtime.
📖 Learn more in the Smile Academy: The Ultimate Guide: Toothbrushing Tips for Babies, Toddlers, and Young Children · From Brushing Battles to Bright Smiles: Fun Ways to Encourage Your Kids to Brush
Are baby teeth important?
The baby teeth are very important! They help the child chew the food properly, they help children speak clearly, they serve as a pathway for the proper eruption of permanent teeth, which all insure child's positive self-esteem.
📖 Learn more in the Smile Academy: A Parent’s Guide to Baby Teeth: More Than Just Practice · Space Maintainers for Kids: What They Are and When Your Child Might Need One
How safe are X-Rays for children?
Dental X-Rays have very little risk nowadays when digital radiology is utilized, such as present in our clinics. We also use lead aprons and only take the necessary films to minimize the amount of radiation.
📖 Learn more in the Smile Academy: Dental X-rays for Kids: Safe, Smart, and Kid‑Friendly
What types of insurances do you take?
We accept Denti-Cal and ALL types of PPO insurances.
What procedures are covered for which no co-pay is required?
Most PPO insurances cover preventive services, such as cleaning and Fluoride application, at no cost to the patient.
📖 Learn more in the Smile Academy: Preventing Cavities in Children: Simple Steps for Strong, Happy Smiles · Fluoride: Your Child’s Cavity-Fighting Superhero
When do baby teeth come in, and how can I soothe teething?
Most babies get their first tooth between 6 and 12 months, usually the two bottom front teeth first, and have a full set of 20 baby teeth by about age 3. Drooling, chewing on everything and fussiness are normal. A chilled (not frozen) teething ring, a clean finger gently rubbing the gums, and lots of cuddles help; skip numbing gels and teething necklaces. Wipe the gums and first teeth daily with a soft cloth or baby toothbrush.
📖 Learn more in the Smile Academy: Teething Timeline: Signs, Soothing Tips, and First Tooth Care for Babies · A Parent’s Guide to Baby Teeth: More Than Just Practice
How can I prevent cavities in my child?
Brush twice a day with a rice-grain (under 3) or pea-sized (3+) smear of fluoride toothpaste, floss once teeth touch, make plain fluoridated water the everyday drink, and keep sweets and juice to mealtimes. Never put a baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. Regular check-ups every six months let us catch early spots before they become cavities.
📖 Learn more in the Smile Academy: Preventing Cavities in Children: Simple Steps for Strong, Happy Smiles · Early Childhood Caries: Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (Breast & Formula) · Your Child’s Diet and Dental Health: A Parent’s Guide to a Healthy Smile
Is fluoride safe for kids?
Yes. Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens enamel and can repair early weak spots before they turn into cavities. Used in the right amounts, fluoride toothpaste, fluoridated water and the professional fluoride varnish we apply at check-ups are safe and are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association.
📖 Learn more in the Smile Academy: Fluoride: Your Child’s Cavity-Fighting Superhero · Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF): A Comprehensive Guide to Stopping Tooth Decay
What is Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) and when is it used?
SDF is a painless liquid we brush onto a cavity to stop it from growing, with no drilling or numbing. It is ideal for very young or anxious children, for baby teeth that will fall out soon, and for special-needs patients. Its one drawback is that it permanently stains the decayed area dark, so we discuss with you whether it is the right choice for each tooth.
📖 Learn more in the Smile Academy: Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF): A Comprehensive Guide to Stopping Tooth Decay · Ensuring Comfort and Safety: A Parent’s Guide to Sedation for Pediatric Dental Work
Is sedation safe for my child's dental work?
For young or anxious children, or when a lot of treatment is needed, sedation lets us work safely and comfortably. Options range from nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which wears off within minutes, to IV sedation and general anesthesia delivered by a licensed anesthesiologist with continuous monitoring. We review your child's health history and explain the safest option before anything is scheduled.
📖 Learn more in the Smile Academy: Ensuring Comfort and Safety: A Parent’s Guide to Sedation for Pediatric Dental Work
My child sucks their thumb. Should I worry?
Thumb and pacifier sucking are normal comforts in the first years. Most children stop on their own between 2 and 4. If the habit continues past age 3, it can start to push the front teeth forward and affect the bite and speech, so that is when we gently help with positive, pressure-free strategies. Never shame or punish; praise the tooth-friendly days instead.
📖 Learn more in the Smile Academy: Thumb Sucking Solutions: Gentle Ways to Break the Habit by Age 3
What should I do if my child chips or knocks out a tooth?
Stay calm, rinse the mouth gently with water and use a cold compress for swelling. Keep any tooth fragment in milk or saliva and call us the same day; most chips are easily repaired. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown, rinse without scrubbing, place it back in the socket or in milk, and come in immediately. Heavy bleeding, confusion or a head injury means the emergency room first.
📖 Learn more in the Smile Academy: What To Do if My Child Chips a Tooth?
My child grinds their teeth at night. Is that normal?
Teeth grinding (bruxism) affects 2 to 3 out of 10 children and is usually a harmless phase they outgrow, often linked to teething, stress, or airway and sleep issues. We check for wear, sensitivity or jaw soreness at each visit and, when needed, discuss a night guard or a referral for sleep or airway evaluation.
📖 Learn more in the Smile Academy: A Parent’s Guide to Teeth Grinding in Children (Bruxism)
Do you treat children with special needs?
Absolutely. Our team is experienced with children who have developmental, sensory, physical or medical needs. We offer longer or quieter appointments, desensitization visits, adapted home-care techniques, and sedation options when treatment cannot be done comfortably in the chair. Tell us what works best for your child when you book and we will plan the visit around it.
📖 Learn more in the Smile Academy: Oral Health Care for Children With Developmental Disabilities · Ensuring Comfort and Safety: A Parent’s Guide to Sedation for Pediatric Dental Work
Explore the Smile Academy
Bite-sized guides from our pediatric dentists, organized by your child's age. Search a topic, pick an age group, or jump into the newest articles.
Infants
Teething, first visits, bottle & breastfeeding care.
20 articles →Special Needs
Sedation, sensory-friendly visits and adapted home care.
8 articles →Teens
Braces vs. Invisalign, mouthguards, wisdom teeth, vaping.
19 articles →Toddlers
Brushing habits, thumb sucking, snacks and first fillings.
21 articles →
- What Happens During a Baby’s Dental Cleaning?
- Dental Visits During Teen Pregnancy: Planning Care
- Can Baby Molars Benefit From Dental Sealants?
- Why Cavity Risk Checks Start in Infancy
- Missing a Permanent Tooth? Planning Ahead for Teens
- Why a Baby Molar May Need a Stainless Steel Crown
Browse all Smile Academy articles
Still have a question?
Our team is happy to help — ask us anything about your child's smile.