At what age should I take my child for the first time to the pediatric dentist?
In general, when it is one year old, it is a good time. The pediatric dentist can give you instructions on diet, habits, hygiene, etc.
What toothpaste and when should my child start using it?
The toothpaste should have a fluoride content between 400 and 1100-1500 ppm. The amount of fluoride will depend on the child's age and risk of cavities. Before the age of 3, the use of toothpaste is not recommended due to the risk of excessive intake.
Is the electric brush or manual better?
Currently there are many studies that show that both are equally effective if used with a good technique. Your choice is conditioned to personal preferences. However you must take into account the vibration can be tolerated by the child.
In the case of handicapped patient, the electric brush can be very useful.
Why does he/she have cavities, if he/she does not eat sweets?
If there is an excess of cariogenic bacterias in the mouth because the hygiene is bad, even if the child does not eat sweet things, the contribution of refined sugars from food may be enough to develop caries.
Why does one sibling have cavities and another does not, if they eat the same thing?
It is not unusual, two children do not eat the same things although they are siblings. In the case of caries, we must remember that it is a multifactorial disease influenced by personal factors such as inheritance, quantity and type of saliva, frequency of intake, morphology of tooth surfaces ...
The final teeth come out darker and crooked, is it normal?
Yes, the normal final teeth are somewhat darker than milk teeth. In addition, milk teeth and definitive teeth coexist during the dental replacement stage, making the definitive ones seem darker by contrast.
What is the use of fixing milk teeth, if they are going to fall out?
The correct position in the mouth of the permanent teeth will depend on finding the right space for their eruption. Milk teeth apart from being your child's chewing instruments, they maintain that space to make it possible for the correct eruption of the definitive ones.
Is it not dangerous to have X-rays done?
No, x-rays are essential to make a correct diagnosis and with the current systems of radiography by computer, the doses are very small.
My son grinds his teeth a lot, is that normal? What can I do?
Parents often worry about the nocturnal grinding of the teeth (bruxism). They often listen to it and are concerned about the wear and tear of their teeth.
A theory about it implies a psychological component. Stress due to a new environment, changes in school, the birth of a new sibling, changes in diet or routines of the day or emotional type such as separation of parents or family events etc.
Most cases of pediatric bruxism do not require any treatment. If the wear of the teeth is important or could be important, then it would be indicated to initiate a treatment.
Is it convenient to place orthodontic appliances in the mouth before having changed all the teeth?
The decision is made depending on the case. Sometimes it is beneficial to put appliances before changing all the teeth to take advantage of peak growth or interfere with unwanted movements.