Dental Topics / Common Questions

Infant tooth care

Q. When should my child first see a dentist?

A: Dr. Witte recommends that children begin dental examinations near his/her first birthday.  Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.

Q. What dental problems could a baby have?

A: The most important reason to begin dental visits at an early age is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (also know as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Your child risks severe decay from using a bottle during naps or at night or when they nurse continuously from the breast.

Start your child’s dental care early for a lifetime of good dental habits.

Q. When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?

A: Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or a soft cloth with warm water. When the first tooth emerges, brush daily to develop a good routine of dental hygiene.  Remember that most small children do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively. It is important for an adult to brush children’s teeth after allowing him/her to brush by themselves.

Sealants

Q: What are sealants?

A: Sealants protect the grooved and pitted surfaces of the teeth, especially the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities in children are found. Made of clear or shaded plastic, sealants are applied to the teeth to help keep them cavity-free. Dr. Witte recommends that permanent molars have sealant applied soon after they have erupted, normally at age 6 – 7 for the six year molars, and again between the ages of 10 – 13 for the 12 year molars and bicuspids.

Q: How do sealants work?

A: Even if your child brushes and flosses carefully, it is difficult - sometimes impossible -to clean the tiny grooves and pits on certain teeth. Food and bacteria build up in these crevices, placing your child in danger of tooth decay. Sealants fill in these grooves to "seal out" food and plaque, thus reducing the risk of decay.

Q: How long do sealants last?

A: Research shows that sealants can last for many years if properly cared for. So, your child will be protected throughout the most cavity-prone years. If your child has good oral hygiene and avoids biting hard objects, sealants will last longer. Dr. Witte will check the sealants during routine dental visits and can recommend reapplication  when necessary.

Importance of Primary (Baby) Teeth

Primary (Baby) teeth are important for proper chewing, speech development, and providing space for the permanent teeth in the future.  Neglected cavities not only cause pain for children, but may also lead to problems which affect the developing permanent teeth.

While the front teeth normally remain until age 6 – 8, the back teeth remain until age 10 – 13.

Although you cannot see them, permanent teeth begin to develop long before primary teeth begin to exfoliate  A decayed primary tooth that is left untreated may develop an abscess which can damage the developing permanent tooth.  Please contact our office if you notice a ‘pimple-like’ bubble above or below any tooth.  

Below is a schedule of tooth development:

TOOTH DEVELOPMENT