Find answers to common questions about pediatric dental care, dental homes, Brushpacks, insurance, and oral health routines.
Absolutely; we want you to feel 100% confident in your child’s care. You can schedule a consultation with our doctors to review a previous diagnosis and discuss all possible options.
Yes, modern pediatric dentistry offers several "no-drill" or minimally invasive options for certain types of cavities. Discuss these alternatives with our team to see if they are a good fit for your child's needs
It is normal to be cautious about sedation. Our doctors are trained in non-invasive techniques and can explore all available options to create a plan that fits your comfort level.
We go at your child's pace and never force a treatment. If cooperation is a struggle, our doctors will discuss strategies with you to help your child feel safe and in control.
Brushing struggles are a common hurdle for many parents. Ask our team for specialized tips and techniques to help make home care a more positive experience for your child.
Our team is specifically trained to support children with diverse needs. We will work with your family to create a sensory-friendly, custom plan to make your child’s visit a success.
While it is discussed more frequently now, it is a real condition that can affect oral function. A professional evaluation is the only way to know if it is something that needs attention for your specific child.
Signs can include loud snoring, mouth breathing, or restlessness at night. If you have concerns, schedule a consultation with our doctors so we can evaluate your child’s airway health
Not every tie requires intervention. Our doctors will work with your family and specialists to determine if a tie is impacting your child's function before recommending any treatment.
Yes, we understand that every family has unique values and health goals. Our team will collaborate with you to design a treatment plan that aligns with your preferences while keeping your child's mouth healthy.
Our doctors prioritize safety by using modern, low-radiation digital X-rays. We will work with your family to create a custom plan that we are both comfortable with regarding fluoride and imaging
Swallowed teeth almost always pass through the digestive system without complication. However, if your child is having any trouble breathing or is coughing, seek medical help; otherwise, simply notify your dentist at their next visit.
If it is a permanent tooth, find it, keep it moist in milk, and get to a dentist immediately. If it is a baby tooth, contact your dentist to ensure the permanent tooth underneath wasn't affected.
A loose tooth after a bump requires immediate attention to ensure the root hasn't been damaged. Call your dentist right away for instructions on how to care for the tooth while it heals
Persistent bad breath can be caused by bacteria on the tongue, mouth breathing, or even things like enlarged tonsils. Since brushing alone may not solve the problem, a dental evaluation is necessary to find the underlying cause.
A metallic smell can sometimes occur when a child is losing a tooth or has minor gum irritation. If the smell persists, contact your child’s dentist to ensure there isn't a more significant issue or a hidden infection.
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is very common in children as their bites change and their primary teeth shift. While most kids outgrow it, you should mention it to your dentist so they can monitor for any wear and tear on the teeth.
White spots can appear for several common reasons, including early enamel changes, mild fluorosis, or demineralization. They are not always cavities. A pediatric dentist can examine the spots and discuss whether any preventive steps are appropriate.
A lip-tie involves the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums. While many lip-ties do not cause issues, some can affect feeding or tooth spacing, so consulting with your dentist is the best way to determine if any action is needed.
While there is more awareness about tongue-ties today, they are a legitimate physical condition where the tissue under the tongue is too tight. Because every case is different, it is important to have a specialist or dentist perform a functional assessment to see if it is impacting your child’s speech, eating, or development.
New permanent teeth often have ridges called "mamelons" on the biting edges to help them break through the gums. These typically wear down over time to a flat edge, but you should ask your dentist to check them during a routine visit to ensure the tooth shape is normal.
Adult teeth erupt at their full size, while your child’s jaw and face are still growing. This often makes the new teeth look disproportionately large at first; a dental check-up can provide reassurance that your child’s mouth is developing as it should.
A gray tint in a new tooth can sometimes be attributed to how the light hits the enamel or the thickness of the tooth structure. However, graying can also occur after a bump or injury to the mouth, so it is important to have the tooth evaluated to ensure the nerve is healthy.
Translucency, especially at the edges of the teeth, can be a normal characteristic of enamel or may sometimes indicate thinning. You should discuss this with your child’s dentist to determine if it is a natural trait or a sign that the enamel needs extra protection.
Permanent teeth naturally have a thicker layer of dentin (the yellow-hued structure under the enamel) than baby teeth, which are very white. This contrast can make new adult teeth look yellow by comparison, but your dentist can perform a formal exam to confirm the teeth are healthy and clean.
"Shark teeth" is a nickname for when a double row of teeth appears because permanent teeth are growing in behind baby teeth. This is a normal developmental stage for many children, but a dental evaluation is recommended to ensure there is enough space for the new teeth to align properly.
This is a common occurrence in pediatric dentistry where a permanent tooth begins to erupt before the baby tooth has fallen out. While the tongue often helps push the new tooth into the correct position once the baby tooth is gone, you should contact your child’s dentist to see if the baby tooth needs help being removed.