Pediatric Oral Health FAQ

The Miller Family Dental team understands that parenting is both rewarding and exhausting. Many of us are parents ourselves, so we know the effort required to keep children healthy and happy. From mommy blogs to mothers-in-law, everyone seems to have opinions on where parents fall short. Are the kids eating a balanced diet? Getting enough sleep? And, of course, regular brushing and flossing must be part of the daily routine. Below, Torrance dentist, Dr. Bradley Miller, answers some of the most common questions we hear from parents of young children.

Question: When should my child go to the dentist for the first time?

Answer: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental appointment before age one. However, if your child is already two or three and hasn’t seen a dentist, don’t worry. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Even if you’ve missed the recommended window, the best action is to take them in now.

Question: Should I find a pediatric dentist, or can I take my child to my regular dental provider?

Answer: There’s no single correct answer. If you have a strong relationship with your dentist and they treat children your child’s age, you can try it and see how it goes. However, pediatric dentists offer several advantages:

• They have specialized training in children’s oral health, including their psychological and developmental needs.
• They use child-sized equipment (x-rays and drills) designed for children’s teeth.
• They’ve chosen to work with children, ensuring they enjoy interacting with little ones.
• Their offices are typically more child-friendly, with age-appropriate activities, rewards for good behavior, and other child-focused amenities.
• Their teams are trained to communicate effectively with children and parents. For example, they might use terms like “tooth bugs” instead of “plaque” or “bacteria” for better understanding.

Question: I can’t get my kids to brush and floss consistently. I’m at my wit’s end. What can I do?

Answer: Take a deep breath! Resistance to brushing and flossing is common in children. Here are some fun and engaging ways to encourage good oral hygiene:

• Purchase a fun toothbrush and new toothpaste.
• Turn oral hygiene into a game. Let them earn points or stars for rewards. Or, use a free dental app with a toothbrush timer or educational YouTube videos.
• Combine brushing and flossing with existing routines, like showering or watching TV.
• Set reminders or alarms on their phones or use a fun timer.
• Brush and floss with them, creating silly songs and dances!

Question: My child has a cavity in a baby tooth. Can’t we just pull it? It’s going to fall out anyway.

Answer: Baby teeth, or primary teeth, are crucial for your child’s long-term growth and development. They aid in chewing healthy foods, speech development, and proper jaw growth and structure.

Maintaining children’s dental health isn’t easy. Kids can be stubborn, and it’s easy to feel frustrated when they don’t cooperate. However, resources are available. First, seek advice from Dr. Bradley Miller. If you’re unsure how to handle a situation or notice any issues, don’t hesitate to ask. Consider the Miller Family Dental team your cheerleaders in your child’s oral health journey. Please reach out if you need assistance. We’re here to help!

“The content of this blog is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with 1 any questions you may have regarding medical conditions.”