A toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime.

A soft bristled, small headed toothbrush should be used at least once per day before bedtime. Toothpaste is not necessary for children under 3 years old. The main goal is to remove food residue from your child's teeth. » Return to Top

Some children can be comforted by chewing on a teething biscuit, a piece of toast, or a frozen teething ring. Teething medications can also be applied to the gums to reduce discomfort and are available at your pharmacy. A child may also benefit from occasional use of infant Tylenol or another pain reliever. » Return to Top

If the cavities in the baby teeth are left untreated, the decay can cause problems significant enough to affect the permanent teeth. In addition, decay is contagious and will spread to other teeth in the mouth, including newly erupted permanent teeth. Sometimes the permanent teeth are slightly misaligned and erupt offset from the baby teeth they are to replace. Dr. Fales will most often recommend that lower baby teeth be left until they naturally exfoliate, unless they are uncomfortable.

Permanent teeth are normally more yellow than primary teeth. This becomes very apparent when the child is between the ages of seven and ten, where the adult teeth are next to the very white baby teeth. Once the child has lost several more baby teeth, most children appear to have very white smiles. » Return to Top

Bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth. Just brushing will not remove all the bacteria, so floss daily (to clean between the teeth), use a tongue cleaner to remove bacteria and food debris and rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash that is clinically proven to help combat bad breath. If your gums are red, swollen or bleed when you brush or floss you may have gum disease, which can also cause bad breath. If the problem persists speak to your dentist or oral hygienist for expert advice.

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.

If a primary tooth has a cavity, it can cause the child pain and discomfort. It can also be lost prematurely, which can cause a problem. The primary teeth hold the space in the dental arch for the permanent teeth to erupt, if this space is lost due to premature loss of the primary teeth, the permanent teeth will have no space to erupt and come in crowded. Filling a cavity in a primary tooth permits the tooth to be retained until it is naturally lost.

Even though primary (baby) teeth eventually fall out, they reserve space for your child's permanent teeth. So if a tooth is lost too early, new teeth could grow in crooked.

Very possibly, unless the cause can be determined and proper preventive and corrective steps are taken.

Many people ask if MS may be inherited. While MS in not hereditary, individuals may be "genetically susceptible," increasing their risk of MS. This risk is slight, however, with only a three-to-four percent chance of a child (with a parent who has MS) being diagnosed with MS sometime in his or her future. Researchers believe that genetics are only one piece to the puzzle, and other factors (such as common viruses, environment, diet, etc.) are also necessary to develop MS.

Although each baby is different, most babies begin teething between six and eight months after birth. The first teeth to appear are typically the two lower front teeth (central incisors) followed by the two upper front teeth. The complete set of 20 primary teeth should occur by the age of three. If your baby is feeling some discomfort, use a teething gel, to help ease the pain. Or give your baby a very cold or frozen teething ring.

Yes. Fluoride if consumed in concentrations greater than 1 PPM (part per million) for extended periods of time can result in a dental condition known as Fluorosis. Fluorosis, in severe cases can result in the deformation of the tooth enamel, making it appear "mottled" with brown pits.

A baby tooth usually stays in until a permanent tooth underneath pushes it out and takes its place. Unfortunately, some children lose a baby tooth too soon. A tooth might be knocked out accidentally or removed because of dental disease. When a tooth is lost too early, your pediatric dentist may recommend a space maintainer to prevent future space loss and dental problems. Baby teeth are important to your child's present and future dental health.