Frequently Asked Questions
What you want to know.
Dr. King invites you to read answers to many questions that he receives from parents and patients. The questions are organized by topic, click the + next to the question to see the answer.
Infants & Toddlers
A toothbrush will remove plaque and bacteria that can lead to decay. Brush the teeth at least once a day at bedtime—even a soft wash cloth will suffice. Avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle, unless it’s water.
A good rule of thumb is “First visit by first birthday” in order to establish a “Dental Home” for your child. Early preventive dental care will protect your child’s smile for a lifetime.
The Purposes of primary, or baby teeth are:
…to help children speak clearly,
…to assist them in chewing naturally,
…to provide space and positioning for permanent teeth.
Yes! Dr. King provides special care for these special children. If your child has special needs, you have found the right dentist. Dr. King has 20 years of experience in giving special needs children the highly focused attention they require. Dentistry for Children treats young patients with limitations from: Cerebral Palsy, Brain Stem Injuries, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, intellectually Disabled, Autism Spectrum Disorders and Cleft Palette.
Rinse the irritated area with warm salt water. In the case of swelling, place a cold compress on the face and immediately contact Dentistry for Children.
Keep calm and find the tooth! Put it in a glass of milk and call to take your child, and the glass, immediately to Dr. King. If the tooth is chipped or broken, remember to bring all the pieces.
Sealants are protective coatings that provide a barrier against food and plaque, which cause cavities.
If your family drinks bottled water, well water, or your water is not fluoridated, Dr. King might prescribe fluoride supplements. To avoid giving children too much fluoride, we advise you to give your child only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, to prevent them from swallowing an excessive amount of fluoride.
Here at Dentistry for Children, we can recommend a specific program of brushing and flossing for parents to teach their children. This program, combined with regular dental visits, fluoride, sealants and a balanced diet, will give your child healthy dental habits—and a great smile, for life.