Frequently Asked Questions

When should I brush my infants teeth?
As soon as the first tooth erupts (~ 6 months). Enzymatic (non-fluoride) toothpaste should be used until child can spit (~ 2 years of age).

When should my child stop thumb sucking?
Your child should stop thumb sucking as soon as possible! The longer the child sucks his or her thumb the more damage can occur. A pacifier and thumb can cause a narrowing of the upper jaw and create an elongation of the face.

Why should we fill a baby tooth, they will lose it anyway?
In most cases your child will lose the baby tooth anyway. However, if a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the other teeth may tip and block the adult tooth from coming in. Also, decay in baby teeth can spread to other teeth causing pain and sensitivity.

Should we give our children fluoride supplements?
Fluoride should be supplemented in your infant and children's diet, it makes the tooth stronger. Understand how much they are getting. Too much fluoride can cause white and brown stain on their teeth.

How much fluoride should our children get?
Fluoridated drinking water contains 2 parts per million of fluoride. If you are on well water you can add prescription drops or vitamins. Most supermarkets have gallon containers of fluoridated water. Depending on the weight of the child, you can add an ounce of this water every time they have a cup of liquid. Be careful of reconstituted baby formula, it may have been processed with fluoride water. Read the label.

When do the adult teeth come in?
The lower anterior teeth come in at approximately 6 years of age, followed by the upper anterior teeth and then the 1st permanent molars.


How can we help prevent tooth decay in our children?
Help your children brush their teeth after every meal or at least twice a day. Children under the age of 6 do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth properly. Brushing, flossing and fluoride treatments along with bi-annual dental check-ups are the best way to prevent decay.

What is bruxism? Grinding and/or clenching of the teeth. The teeth may have notches at the gum line or wear at the cusp tip. It may also cause tooth mobility and sensitivity, joint popping/clicking and facial pain.


What is TMD?
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder symptoms are different for a lot of people. Symptoms can range from TMJ pain, locking of the joint, facial pain and headaches. It can be bilateral or unilateral and it can lead to an uncomfortable bite and deterioration of the disc between the joint and fossae.

How do you treat TMD?
The treatment depends on the diagnosis. A thorough medical-dental review, clinical exam, mounted diagnostic casts of your teeth and bite record, radiographs and MRI all help in the treatment. Sometimes muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety medication and an occlusal guard are used to help treat the situation.


What is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome is a sleep disorder in which you stop breathing(apnea) or experience shallow breathing(hypopnea) for short periods of time during sleep. This is the result of a blockage of the airway due to the relaxation and collapse of throat tissues during sleep. Symptoms include load heavy snoring that is interrupted by choking sounds or load snorts followed by silence. Excessive sleepiness, morning headaches, loss of energy, forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, mood swings, anxiety and depression are other symptoms.

How do you treat Sleep Apnea?
The treatment depends on the severity of the diagnosis. Tests need to be performed at a sleep center to evaluate oxygen levels during sleep. Treatment can range from weight loss, sleep guard, nasal CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), medication and/or surgery of the uvula and lower jaw.