Which Insurance Plans will you accept?

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?

What should I use to clean my baby's teeth?

When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?

Are baby teeth really that important to my child?

What should I do if my child has a toothache?

Are thumbsucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?

How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?

How do I make my child's diet safe for his teeth?

How do dental sealants work?

How safe are dental X-rays?

Q: Which Insurance Plans will you accept?

A: We accept most traditional dental insurance plans, however there are plans which require you to go to a dentist on a special list of preferred providers. If your insurance plan requires you to pick a dentist from a list you must check with your insurance carrier to be sure that you will be covered at our office. If you have additional questions regarding your Insurance plan, we suggest you call the customer service number on your insurance card or contact your Human Resources department at your place of employment.

Q: What should I use to clean my baby's teeth?
A: By caring for your baby's mouth and teeth as early as you can, you help your baby develop good dental habits. You should be cleaning your baby's mouth beginning with the first day of life, even before there are teeth. You should wipe out the mouth gently and massage the gum pads after each feeding and before bedtime with a gauze pad or washcloth. Begin cleaning your baby's teeth as soon as they appear through the gum. Use a small, child-size toothbrush with soft, round bristles. Continue using a clean gauze pad or washcloth to clean those areas that do not have teeth.

Q: When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?
A: In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.

Q: What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
A: Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.

Q: Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
A: Though they are not permanent, primary teeth are important to your child's future dental health because they:
* are necessary for proper chewing and eating
* provide space for the permanent teeth and guide them into position
* permit normal development of the jaw bones and muscles
* effect the development of speech
* some primary molars are not replaced until a child is 12 to 14, so these teeth must serve your child for 5 to 8 years.

Q: What should I do if my child has a toothache?
A: First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums. Finally, see a dentist as soon as possible.

Q: Are thumbsucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?
A: Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally 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 when the permanent teeth arrive, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist.
More: Thumb, Finger and Pacifier Habits

Q: How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?
A: A check-up every six months is 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.

Q: How do I make my child's diet safe for his teeth?
A: Make sure your child has a balanced diet, including one serving each of: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat fish and eggs. Limiting the servings of sugars and starches will also aid in protecting your child's teeth from decay. You can also ask your pediatric dentist to help you select foods that protect your children's teeth.

Q: How do dental sealants work?
A: Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.

Q: How safe are dental X-rays?
A: There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation.