Dental FAQs for Kids
Oregon City, OR
 Children have many questions about everything, and oral health is no different. Your kids are likely to ask you about everything from how toothpaste works to why their baby teeth fall out. Answering all of these questions is not always easy, which is why the team here at Great Grins for KIDS - Oregon City has put together this list of questions our younger patients often ask in regard to dentistry for kids. If your child has questions for our pediatric dentist that are not answered here, you can always give us a call or make a note to ask those questions at your child’s next appointment.
What Happens During a Visit?
If you started bringing your child in for early infant oral care and treatment when they began teething and got their first tooth, or their first visit was around their first birthday, your child may already have an idea of what a visit with us means. However, they may still have questions, especially as they get older and their cleanings and exams become more involved. You want to reassure them that these visits are necessary and are good for their teeth. When they come in, we will do a visual exam to check their teeth, gums, tongue, jaw, and cheeks. We look for cavities, signs of gingivitis, loose teeth, and other issues. We will clean their teeth, and we may need to take x-rays. It depends on how old your child is and when they last had x-rays done.
Why Do I Need to Come in Every Six Months?
The reason we need to see children every six months is the same reason we ask that our adult patients come in that often. Seeing someone twice a year gives us a chance to spot oral health concerns before they become bigger problems. It also allows us to clean your child’s teeth and spot any cavities that have formed. Some children do wonder why they need to see us or brush and floss their baby teeth since they are only going to fall out. There are several reasons why baby teeth need to be cared for. They act as a guide for adult teeth, help children learn to talk, and make it possible to chew correctly. It is very important that they are cared for just like adult teeth are.
How Can I Avoid Cavities?
Our young patients often ask us what they can do to avoid getting cavities. The most important thing, we tell them, is to brush twice a day and to floss daily. Avoiding cavities truly is that easy. Reducing the amount of sugary snacks can also help, of course. Using mouthwash also helps, although you do want to make certain you and your child use alcohol-free mouthwash.
Will It Hurt?
Asking if visiting us will hurt is probably the most common question young children have. The answer, of course, does vary depending on why your child is coming in. For a normal checkup, you can reassure your child that there will not be any pain. Sometimes, unfortunately, a dental procedure does hurt. We will always talk your child (and any patient, regardless of age) through the entire process, including telling them when they may feel discomfort. We do everything we can to make a visit with us pleasant and pain-free. If you have any questions about what will occur during a visit or need to schedule a visit at Great Grins for KIDS - Oregon City, give us a call today at 971-470-0045.
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