A Pediatric Dentist Answers Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you are the parent of a newborn, or you have a school-aged child, there are always questions regarding children’s dental health. Here are the answers to some common concerns:
I’ve heard that kissing my baby can make them prone to cavities. How can this possibly be true?
It is true. Kissing your baby on the lips or sharing food utensils with your baby transfers the cavity-causing bacteria from your mouth to theirs. Avoid showing your baby how good something tastes by putting the spoon in your mouth first!
Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.
How can I prevent decay caused by nursing?
Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bedtime bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child’s teeth. See a pediatric dentist by age 1 year or when the first tooth comes in.
How do dental sealants work?
Sealants work by filling in the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out bacteria that could get caught in the grooves, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for ten years or more.
How safe are dental X-rays?
There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation.
Dr. Lyon is a pediatric dentist and serves as the dental director for the offices of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Maryland (PDOM) in Elkton, Forest Hill, Glen Burnie, and Havre de Grace. In 2013, he was again named one of “Baltimore’s Best” Pediatric Dentists. Visit them at www.drblyon.com