Pediatric FAQs

Pediatric Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I use to clean my baby’s teeth?

Soft-bristled toothbrushes with small heads are perfect for removing plaque and bacteria from your baby’s teeth. You brush your baby’s teeth at least once a day, particularly at bedtime.

Q: Are baby teeth really that important to my child?

Absolutely. Actually, we recommend two visits a year for patients of all ages to prevent future oral health concerns and keep smiles healthy for life.

Q: Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child’s teeth?

These habits are generally not a problem as long as they don’t go on for a long period of time. If these problems continue past the age of three, the dentist may recommend an oral appliance.

Q: How can I prevent decay caused by nursing?

The best way to prevent decay is to avoid nursing your child to sleep and only put water in his bedtime bottle. Also, make sure that you are cleaning your child’s teeth properly and that you schedule an initial dental appointment prior to your child’s first birthday.

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

We recommend that all patients, regardless of age, come in for a check-up and cleaning every six months. This helps to prevent cavities and related issues.

Q: When should we begin using toothpaste and how much should we use?

The ADA recommends using a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice for children younger than 3. For children aged 3-6, use an amount no larger than the size of a pea.

Q: How do dental sealants work?

Sealants work by shielding the chewing areas of the teeth from food particles that cause cavities. Dental sealants can protect teeth for years from a single application.

Q: What can I do to protect my child’s teeth during sporting events?

We offer custom-fitted mouthguards to protect your child’s teeth, lips and face from sporting injuries.

Q: What should I do if my child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth?

Time is very much of the essence in these situations. If you still have the tooth, rinse it gently and attempt to place it back into its original socket. If this isn’t possible, place it in a cup of milk instead and bring it with you to one of our offices right away.

Q: How safe are dental x-rays?

We use a digital x-ray system that reduces the amount of radiation patients are normally exposed to by 90%. Our x-rays are the fastest, safest available.

Q: How can parents help prevent tooth decay?

Parents can help prevent tooth decay by bringing their children to the dentist every six months in addition to teaching their children proper eating and teeth-cleaning habits.

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Arcadia Location:

Office Hours
  • MON9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • TUE9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • WED9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • THU9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • FRI8:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • SAT7:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • SUNClosed
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Long Beach Location:

Office Hours
  • MON9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • TUE9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • WED9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • THU9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • FRIClosed
  • SAT7:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • SUNClosed