FAQs

According to the AAPD, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.

For more information about dental health in your baby’s first year, check out the “Get it Done in Year One” checklist.

A check-up every six months is usually recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your pediatric dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health.

Read up more here on the importance of regular dental visits.

Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning with the very first tooth. Then, the dentist can recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for parents to supervise and teach to their children. These home treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.

For more on the benefits of preventive dentistry, check out the AAPD’s brochure here.

According to the AAPD, thumb and pacifier sucking habits usually only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of three, consult with their dentist about ways to modify these behaviors.

You can read more about thumb sucking and pacifier use here.

There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation that children are exposed to. Tools like lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation.

Check out the AAPD brochure on this topic here.