FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A: Call our office immediately: 619-435-6655. We are on call and prepared to help, even outside of normal business hours. If the situation allows, take a cell phone photo of the injury as it can be very helpful for the doctor’s remote diagnosis (can also be done after initial call is placed). For more information about specific injuries, please see “Dental Emergencies” under our “Services” drop-down menu.

Most importantly, if your child shows any sign of altered or loss of consciousness as a result of a head trauma, contact your pediatrician immediately or go to your local emergency room.

A: Yes, and we look forward to providing you and your family with exceptional care and service!

A: A pediatric dentist is specially trained in diagnosing and treating children and adolescents. Most parents take their children to see a pediatrician for their medical examinations, and in dentistry, a pediatric dentist is the equivalent of a pediatrician.

A: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics both suggest bringing your child to the dentist for their first “well-baby dental exam” at one year old.

A: Your child’s attitude and thoughts about a visit with the dentist are strongly influenced by you, so please talk to your child using positive language and avoid using words that may cause unnecessary anxiety like “needle,” “drill,” “shot,” “pull” and “hurt.”

A: Yes, in fact, we encourage your participation. Exceptions to this policy will be discussed with parents on a case-by-case basis.

A: The average age is six months old, but it can vary by several months. At the risk of overgeneralizing, girls tend to get them earlier than boys.

A: It’s important to keep the primary teeth healthy for the benefit of future or existing permanent teeth.

A: Dental decay is a bacterial infection that is caused by a combination of plaque on your teeth, sugar in your diet, and bacteria in your mouth. As a parent, it’s important to minimize sugars, including white starchy foods, in your child’s diet and to begin good oral hygiene habits as soon as teeth erupt, including brushing and flossing twice a day. In fact, most children need parental help with brushing until age 6 or 7 and flossing until age 8 or 9.

A: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling dental check-ups twice a year.

A: Thumb sucking, pacifier use, and other oral habits, like continued use of a baby bottle, after one year of age can have a very negative affect on a child’s teeth and jaw development.

A: The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry endorses the use of toothpastes containing fluoride for children and recommends a “smear” amount for children under age 3 and a “pea-sized” amount for children 3-6 years of age.

A: Fluoride is the only mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Most of the fluoride we ingest is found naturally occurring in food. Other sources include water, toothpaste and fluoride mouth rinses. We apply professional fluoride solution in the office to supplement fluoride absorption.

A: Yes, depending on the age of your child and the circumstances of their dental visit. We utilize x-rays to diagnose treatment, detect diseases of the mouth and monitor any developing decay, beginning for most children over 4 years of age. Spacing of teeth, flossing habits, and sugar consumption are all determining factors.