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Education

When should my child see the dentist for the first time?
We encourage families to establish a dental home once the first baby tooth comes in.

How much toothpaste should I use?
A safe amount of toothpaste to use for children 0-3 years old is a small rice-sized smear. From 3-6 years old, a pea-sized amount is adequate.

What happens if my child swallows the toothpaste they’re brushing with?
Children should be encouraged to do their best to spit out extra toothpaste and it is normal for children to sometimes have difficulty with this. If utilizing the correct amount (above), it is safe if they swallow some of the toothpaste while brushing.

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general/family dentist?
Pediatric dentists train for 2-3 years in addition to their dental school education to become pediatrician’s of dentistry. Pediatric dentists specialize in seeing children as infants through adolescence, including children with special needs.

Why fix baby teeth? How are they important?
Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, impact children’s abilities to eat, speak, and also aid in the development of the adult dentition.

Citation: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry