FAQs
When should I first take my child to the dentist? 
Our office, as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommends that your child visit the Dentist by his/her 1st birthday.
All children 12 years and under are treated in a dedicated area of our office, specifically designed to accommodate our young patients. Children and adolescents with special needs (medical, physical, or intellectual disability) will also be seen in our clinic.
Why should I take my child to a Pediatric Dentist?
A Pediatric Dentist has highly-specialized training in the management and treatment of children. He/she must obtain at least two additional years of post-Doctoral education and certification in this Specialty. This is training that a general dentist or other specialist does not have. As such, we are the dental experts in caring for children, just as your Pediatrician is the medical expert. Having the ability to connect with and work with children is very important, but having the education and experience to know how to treat them correctly is essential. Would you want less for your child?
Do you offer latex-free dental visits?
YES! Our office is a latex-free environment. We strive to provide an environment welcoming to all adult and pediatric patients with latex allergies. In addition, none of our products have BPA (Bisphenol A) added. Please call us at 781-349-4750 for more details.
How do I effectively brush my child’s teeth?
Children’s hands and mouths are different than adults. They need to use toothbrushes designed for children. Both adults and children should use brushes with soft, rounded bristles for gentle cleaning. Change to a new brush about every three months.
For an infant, wipe their teeth gently with a moist, soft cloth, gauze square, or a finger brush. As babies grow, begin to use a soft child’s toothbrush with a small, pea-sized dab of toothpaste (such as Baby OraGel). Since too much fluoride can stain their teeth, only use this small amount until your child is able to spit it out.
By age two or three, begin to teach your child to brush. They will not be totally effective at that age so you will still need to brush for them as well. By allowing them to brush themselves daily, you will help them create the daily habits and patterns of brushing and eventually flossing. Our dentists and hygienists advise children to use a gentle, short, back and forth motion to remove plaque. This is an effective technique for their level of dexterity. When children are older, they can switch to the method below.
- Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle towards teeth and gums. Move the brush back and forth with short strokes, about a half tooth wide.
- Brush the inside and outside surfaces of each tooth, top, and bottom.
- Hold the brush flat on top of the teeth and brush the chewing surfaces.
- Gently brush the tongue to remove debris.
- Floss between teeth daily.
How can I make brushing fun for my child?
For most toddlers, getting them to brush their teeth can be quite a challenge. Some suggestions for making tooth brushing less of a battle include:
- Let your child brush your teeth as well as theirs.
- Let your child pick out a few toothbrushes with his favorite colors or characters and give them a choice of which one to use each time. This will give them some feeling of control over the situation.
- Let your child brush his own teeth first (you will likely have to “help out”).
- Get your child some children’s books about tooth brushing.
- Have everyone brush their teeth at the same time.
- To help your child understand the importance of brushing, it can be sometimes fun and helpful to let them eat or drink something that will “stain” their teeth temporarily (called disclosing solution) and then brush them clean.
It is also a good idea to create a routine around tooth brushing (same time every day/night, etc.) and stick to the same routine each day.
What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?
If any of the following happens to you or your child please call us at 781-349-4750. We will give you guidance and find a time to see your child if necessary.
- Toothache
- Broken teeth or trauma
- Bitten tongue, lip, or cheek
- Bleeding after tooth falls out
- Objects caught between teeth
- Mouth or cold sores
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
First, find the tooth and hold it by the crown. Try not to hold the root. If the tooth did not fall on the floor and did not get soiled, rinse under room temperature water. Do not attempt to rub or clean the tooth by any other means.
If it is a permanent tooth, you may try to reinsert the tooth back into its original position in the socket and have your child hold it in place with a clean cloth. If it is a baby or primary tooth, do not reinsert the tooth. If you cannot reinsert the permanent tooth, place the tooth in a cup of milk, saliva, or water and bring it along with your child to a dentist immediately.
Time is critical when it comes to saving the tooth. As soon as possible following the incident, call us at 781-349-4750 and we will give you further guidance. If the incident occurs when our office is closed and you are unable to reach your dentist, follow the same instructions but go to your local hospital immediately.
What should I do if my child breaks or chips a tooth?
Rinse any debris from the injured area with water. Try to locate the broken tooth fragment and also rinse with water. Place the broken piece in a cup of saliva or water and call us at 781-349-4750 for further guidance and to find a time to bring your child in to see the dentist.
What should I do if my child breaks or chips a tooth?
Rinse any debris from the injured area with water. Try to locate the broken tooth fragment and also rinse with water. Place the broken piece in a cup of saliva or water and call us at 781-349-4750 for further guidance and to find a time to bring your child in to see the dentist.
What should I do if my child’s lip, cheek, or tongue is bleeding or bruised?
Apply ice to the bruised area. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean cloth. If the bleeding cannot be controlled after 15 minutes with simple pressure, take the child to a dentist or your local hospital immediately. If needed, call us at 781-349-4750 for further guidance.
What should I do if my child has broken braces and wires?
If a broken orthodontic appliance can be removed, take it out. If you cannot remove it, place a cotton call or chewing gum over the area or wire causing discomfort. If there is continued discomfort, take your child to a dentist immediately. If the appliance is broken but not causing discomfort, the child usually does not need emergency treatment. Call 781-349-4750 for an appointment as soon as possible.
What should I do if my child has two rows of teeth?
This is a concern of many parents and is our office’s #1 emergency visit. There are times when the permanent (adult) teeth erupt before the primary (baby) teeth exfoliate (fall out). The adult teeth mostly erupt behind the baby teeth, making it appear as a “double row” of teeth. The baby teeth fall out eventually in the majority of cases. However, you should call us at 781-349-4750 and bring your child in to be seen by one of our dentists if discomfort or sensitivity is noted.
