Frequently Asked Chairside

Questions For Parents

KNOWLEDGE FOR EMPOWERED PARENTS

Parent Education

Empowering families with clear clinical guidance, preventative habits, and total clarity on how our mobile dental program supports your child's developmental milestones.

Ask Our Clinical Team

When do children get their last baby tooth?

Most children have all 20 baby teeth by about 2.5 to 3 years old.

How many baby teeth do children have?

Children have 20 primary (baby) teeth.

When do children lose their first baby tooth?

Between 11 and 13 years old, around 12 on average.

If I can only brush once a day, is morning or bedtime better?

Bedtime. Saliva slows during sleep, so bacteria and acids sit on teeth longer overnight. Cleaning before bed gives the most protection.

What toothpaste should my child use, and how much?

Use a fluoride toothpaste appropriate for your child's age.

- Under 3: a smear the size of a grain of rice

- Ages 3 to 6: a pea-sized amount

- 6 and older: pea-sized or slightly more

Supervise brushing and have your child spit out the extra without rinsing, so the fluoride keeps working.

My child likes to brush alone. Do I still need to help?

Yes. Most kids can't clean every surface well until about 7 or 8 years old, so help or supervise until then.

When can my child use mouthwash, and which kind?

Around age 6, once they can switch and spit without swallowing. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash with fluoride.

Does breast milk cause cavities?

Breast milk itself doesn't. Risk rises once other foods or sugary drinks are introduced, especially often or at bedtime, so keep up good oral care.

How do I clean the white coating on my baby's tongue?

If it wipes off easily after feeding, it's likely milk residue; wipe gently with a soft damp cloth. If it's thick and won't wipe off, it may be thrush, so see your pediatrician or dentist.

What if my child is born with a tooth, or one comes in during the first month?

See a dentist promptly. If the tooth is stable and doesn't interfere with feeding, it's usually left in place and monitored.

Why does my child's cavity look black after a visit?

That's the expected result of silver diamine fluoride (SDF). The treated decay turns black as it's stopped. It doesn't affect healthy tooth and helps avoid more invasive treatment.

Should tongue tie or lip tie be clipped?

Not always. it needs a proper evaluation, and treatment is usually recommended only if the tie causes problems like trouble feeding or a poor latch.

A permanent tooth is growing in behind a baby tooth. What do I do?

These are called "shark teeth" and are common. Encourage gentle wiggling of the baby tooth. If it stays firm or hurts, see your dentist.

My child's loose tooth won't fall out. What should I do?

Wiggle it gently 5 to 10 times in the morning and again at night. Don't pull hard. If it isn't progressing or becomes painful, see your dentist.