1
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What causes tooth decay?
Tooth decay is caused by plaque in your mouth reacting with sugary and starchy deposits from food. This reaction produces acid which damages the enamel over time and weakens the tooth.
2
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At what age are my children supposed to see a dentist?
The general rule is 6 months after the first baby tooth erupts, and no later than their first birthday. Some children require a bit more time to be comfortable. If an area of concern is noticed, then the child should see a dentist as soon as possible irrespective of age.
3
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What if an adult tooth is coming in and the baby tooth has not fallen out yet?
This is a very common problem, especially in the front lower incisors. If the baby tooth is loose, it will most likely fall out on its own within a couple of weeks. If the baby tooth is not loose, your dentist may need to extract the baby tooth, in order to allow the adult tooth to come in properly. In either case, it is best to make an appointment with your dentist so that the situation can be analyzed and the best course of action taken for your child.
4
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When does thumb-sucking become damaging to the teeth?
We carefully monitor your child’s habit as well as their tooth development. Permanent damage can occur if the child is a vigorous and constant thumbsucker. This can lead to moderate or severe movement of teeth as well as prevention of normal bone growth. To avoid serious damage the habit should be stopped before the eruption of the permanent teeth. We offer several options for helping your child stop their habits.
5
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Should my child wear a mouthguard while playing sports?
It is strongly recommended that children wear a mouthguard while playing any contact sport. It is always better to prevent an injury than to repair one. The earlier a child begins to wear the mouthguard, the easier it is to become comfortable and continue to wear it as they get older.
6
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What should I do if my child gets a tooth knocked out?
If the tooth is a permanent tooth, time is extremely crucial. Hold the tooth by the crown, avoid touching the root. Immediately stick the tooth back in the socket, and immediately call your dentist. If you are uncomfortable placing the tooth in the socket, put it in a glass of milk and get your child to the dentist as quickly as possible. If the tooth is a baby tooth, do not put it in the socket because damage to the permanent tooth can occur. When in doubt, put the tooth in milk and see your dentist immediately.
Natalie Mansour DMD
(818) 500-7330 • 709 S. Central Avenue, Suite A, Glendale, CA 91204
