Got Questions? We've Got Answers.
From your child's first visit to what to expect during treatment, we've put together answers to the questions parents ask us most.
What should I expect during our first visit?
At first visit, Dr. Mizani will complete a comprehensive dental exam making sure your child’s oral cavity is healthy and identify any dental cavity is healthy and identify any dental decay or any other hard or soft tissue abnormalities. He will also go over Oral hygiene and dietary instructions. A Dental Cleaning and Fluoride application will also be completed at that visit.
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
A pediatric dentist is a specialist with two to three years of special training following dental school. They not only learn in depth about children’s oral health but also how to manage children’s behavior in the dental office setting. They know how to effectively reduce the anxiety in most children. Pediatric dentists are primary oral health care providers for infants, children, adolescents and teenagers, including kids with special needs. A pediatric dentist’s practice is limited to children only.
Why are the baby teeth so important?
Baby teeth serve multiple purposes for your child. Not only are they needed for proper chewing, but also they save the space needed for the permanent teeth that follow. Healthy baby teeth provide an environment for healthy permanent teeth. Infections caused by a large cavity on a baby tooth can be very dangerous. It can spread to the other facial structures and can also damage the tooth bud of a developing permanent tooth. Preventing cavities on baby teeth is important since loss of teeth cause adjacent teeth to migrate forward and in turn space is lost which creates orthodontic issues. I have provided a tooth chart that can help you determine the timing of your child’s baby teeth falling out.
Tooth Chart
Please click HERE
What is a good age to bring a child to a dentist and what should you expect during that visit?
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends age one as the child’s first visit. The visit is geared more towards educating the parents on how to prevent cavities. We would do a quick exam followed by a toothbrush and Fluoride varnish. Instruction on how to brush your child’s teeth is given. Healthy snack ideas are provided. We try to make your child’s first visit as pleasant as possible.
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay/cavity forms when the bacteria destroy the enamel of the teeth leaving a hole on the tooth. This happens when sticky and sugary/carbohydrate foods stay on the teeth for a long period of time. This residue becomes food for the bacteria that in turn produces acids that destroy the tooth resulting in a cavity.
How can I prevent cavities? BY:
*Visiting your dentist every six months
*Brushing your child’s teeth two times a day and floss once at night
*Not putting your baby to bed with a bottle filled with milk, juice, or any other sweet liquids.
*Filling the Sippy cup with water only. Sipping on a sugary drink can cause cavities.
*Feeding your child full balanced nutritious foods that lead to less snacking in between meals.
*Limiting sugary drinks/soda/Gatorade. Encouraging drinking water in between meals or sports.
*Asking your dentist to apply Sealants onto chewing surfaces of the permanent molars to protect against cavities.
What are dental sealants?
Dental Sealants are clear resin materials that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars to prevent the food from sticking into the grooves of the teeth. The use of sealants in children has shown to significantly reduce the risks of cavities.
Is taking dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes! Dental X-rays are considered very safe for children when used appropriately. Following recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, X-rays are taken only when necessary to diagnose problems that cannot be detected during a visual examination, such as cavities between teeth, infections, developmental concerns, or dental injuries. Modern digital dental X-rays are extremely low levels of radiation — often comparable to the amount of natural background radiation a child receives from normal daily environmental exposure, including sunlight and naturally occurring radiation in the air. In many cases, a set of dental X-rays exposes a child to less radiation than they receive during a day of regular outdoor activity. Protective measures such as lead aprons and thyroid collars are also used to further reduce exposure. Dental X-rays allow problems to be identified early, helping children receive simpler, safer, and more comfortable treatment.
Is Fluoride safe for children and at what age is it recommended?
Yes! Fluoride is safe and highly effective for children when used in the recommended amounts. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, prevent cavities, and even reverse early stages of tooth decay. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend introducing fluoride toothpaste at age one. For children under age 3, a small smear or “rice-sized” amount of fluoride toothpaste should be used. Children ages 3 to 6 should use a pea-sized amount under parental supervision to help prevent swallowing excessive toothpaste.
Fluoride used in appropriate amounts has been extensively studied and shown to be safe for children. Professional fluoride treatments provided during dental visits can offer additional protection for children who are at higher risk for cavities. Establishing proper fluoride habits early helps children develop stronger, healthier teeth and lowers their risk of dental decay throughout childhood.
Is it okay for my children to drink juice or sugary drinks?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends limiting juice and sugary drinks for children because frequent sugar exposure significantly increases the risk of cavities. Water and plain milk are the best beverage choices for maintaining healthy teeth and overall health. If juice is given, it should be 100% fruit juice, served in limited amounts, and offered during meals rather than throughout the day. Sipping juice, sports drinks, soda, flavored milk, or other sweetened beverages over long periods exposes teeth to constant sugar and acid attacks that can lead to tooth decay.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no fruit juice for children under 1 year old. For children ages 1–3, juice should be limited to no more than 4 ounces per day, and for ages 4–6, no more than 4–6 ounces daily. Children should avoid going to bed with bottles or sippy cups containing milk, juice, or sweetened drinks. Encouraging water between meals and after snacks helps rinse the mouth, reduce cavity risk, and support healthier oral habits from an early age.
Do I need to help my children brush their teeth?
Yes. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents help supervise and assist with brushing until children develop the coordination and ability to brush effectively on their own, which is usually around ages 7–8. Young children often do not have the manual dexterity needed to thoroughly clean all tooth surfaces, especially along the gumline and back teeth.
Parents should brush their child’s teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. For children under age 3, use a small smear or rice-sized amount of toothpaste, and for children ages 3–6, use a pea-sized amount. Flossing should begin once teeth start touching each other. Making brushing part of a consistent daily routine and helping children develop proper habits early can greatly reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease as they grow.
What should I do if my child has a dental trauma?
Dental injuries can happen during sports, play, or accidents, and quick action is important. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends contacting a dentist as soon as possible after any dental trauma, especially if there is bleeding, swelling, pain, a broken tooth, or a tooth that has been displaced or knocked out. Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling, and keeping the child calm and comfortable is important until they can be evaluated.
If a permanent tooth is completely knocked out (avulsed), carefully pick it up by the crown (top part of the tooth) and avoid touching the root. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline for a few seconds without scrubbing. Keep the tooth moist in cold milk, saline solution, or inside the child’s cheek if age appropriate. Immediate dental care is critical, ideally within 30–60 minutes, to improve the change of saving the tooth.
Primary (baby) teeth that are knocked out should generally not be replanted because doing so may damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Wearing properly fitted mouthguards during sports and recreational activities can help prevent many dental injuries in children.