FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions at Children's Dentistry of Amarillo

Girl smiling outside.The health of your child’s smile is very important. So our pediatric dentist understands that many parents may have questions about the best ways to care for their children’s teeth. To shed light on these important matters of dental health and pediatric dentistry, our Amarillo, TX practice has prepared a FAQ section to provide answers to the most frequently asked questions in the field of pediatric dentistry. Please read below for the details. And if you have a question that is not addressed, please contact the team at Children’s Dentistry of Amarillo directly. We would be happy to assist you in any way that we can.

Commonly Asked Questions

How can I clean my baby’s teeth?
Use a soft toothbrush designed for infants and brush with small, circular strokes once a day. Fluoride toothpaste is not necessary until the child is at least 3 years old.

When should my child first visit the dentist?
Babies should visit a pediatric dentist by their 1st birthday or when their first baby tooth has erupted.

Is there a difference between a regular dentist and a pediatric dentist?
Pediatric dentists specialize in the care of infants and children. They receive three additional years of specialized training after completing traditional dental school.

What is baby bottle tooth decay, and how do I prevent it?
Baby bottle tooth decay can occur if babies tend to fall asleep while nursing or while drinking a bottle. Avoid nursing to put a child to sleep and only give water in a bottle at bedtime. It is a good idea to begin encouraging cup drinking as your child’s 1st birthday approaches.

Is using a pacifier or sucking a thumb harmful to tooth development?
Pacifiers and thumb sucking can lead to crowding, bite problems and crooked teeth. If your child has these habits and they persist past the eruption of their first teeth, talk to the team at Children’s Dentistry of Amarillo about mouth appliance options.

What should I do if my child has a toothache?
Rinsing with warm salt water and applying ice wrapped in a cold cloth can help with toothaches and swelling. If the pain does not go away, please call our Amarillo, TX pediatric dentistry practice at 806-452-2613.

Are X-rays safe?
Our pediatric dentists are careful not to expose patients to radiation. There is little risk associated with our dental X-rays.

When will my child’s first teeth come in?
The first two lower front teeth may start erupting at around 6 months of age and are soon followed by the upper front teeth. Your child’s other teeth tend to come in at around 18 to 24 months in no particular order. All 20 teeth should appear by the time the child is 3 years old.

What should I do if my child loses a permanent tooth?
Stay calm. If you can find the tooth, hold it by the crown and hold it in place with a washcloth or gauze. You can also put it in a clean container with milk. Then come see us immediately.

How can I help my teething child?
Teething biscuits, toast or frozen teething rings are great ways to help with the pain associated with teething.

Should I be worried about a gap in my child’s front teeth?
Gaps in baby teeth tend to close over time. Our pediatric dentist can examine the gap for you at our Amarillo, TX office, if you prefer.

Does a cavity in a baby tooth need to be filled?
It is a good idea to fill cavities in baby teeth in order to help keep your child’s mouth healthy and pain-free.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you have any additional questions or wish to schedule a pediatric dentistry appointment for your child, contact Children’s Dentistry of Amarillo today. You can also give us a call at 806-452-2613 or schedule an appointment online.