Pediatric Dentistry Questions

Serving Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale, Arizona

At what age should my child start seeing a dentist?

You should take your baby in to see the pediatric dentist at 12 to 18 months old. You may have heard that children should start seeing the dentist at three years old, but that’s getting a late start.

At what age should dental hygiene begin?

Before teeth start coming in! You should start by gently wiping your baby’s gums after each feeding. As soon as your child is comfortable wielding a toothbrush, let them take a turn brushing their own teeth every day.

When will my child start losing baby teeth?

Every child develops at a different rate. Most children will loose their first tooth between the age of five and seven years old. Losing teeth too early or too late can cause dental problems later. The proper time is not a certain age, but at the right point in development.

Why should I worry about my child’s baby teeth since they’re going to fall out anyway?

Your child’s baby teeth are very important and they affect:

• Chewing and nutrition
• Speech development
• Development and positioning of permanent teeth

When should my child start using toothpaste?

Most children can use toothpaste at two to three years old. Make sure they only use a tiny amount and do not let them swallow it.

Does my child need fluoride?

Yes, but you can overdo it. Too much fluoride can cause serious defects in your child’s tooth enamel. Your child may or may not need fluoride supplements, depending on how much fluoride is in your drinking water. Children can also get too much fluoride by swallowing toothpaste. Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro can help you determine whether or not your child needs extra fluoride.

Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro, serving Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and other East Valley Cities in Arizona, combine LVI training and state-of-the-art technology to bring you, and your entire family, the very best and healthiest pediatric dentistry solutions. If you still have questions, please read our pediatric dentistry page. Contact our pediatric dentistry office today to schedule your child’s initial pediatric dentistry consultation.