You have questions.
We have answers.
When will my baby get her teeth?They began forming in the womb. The first baby tooth may erupt as early as 4 months, and all 20 usually appear by age 3. The order varies. You’ll probably see permanent teeth around age 6, and all the way through age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth (well, 32 if they keep wisdom teeth).
Do you take my insurance?
Glad you asked. We accept all major insurance. Please call us at 425.996.0457 and we’ll check on your coverage and deductible. Note that we can’t guarantee how your insurance company will process each claim, and that while we do file claims on your behalf as a courtesy, you have the ultimate responsibility to pay your bill.
Do you believe in preventive dentistry?
Absolutely! Brushing, flossing, sealants, the proper use of fluorides, orthodontics, sports safety and a healthy diet can result in a beautiful smile – which can add to a child’s self-confidence. What’s more, preventive dentistry usually results in less extensive and less expensive care later.
Can I stay with my child while he’s being treated?
You’re welcomed to stay, and your presence will provide comfort and reassurance.
What’s “baby bottle” syndrome?
Also called ECC (early childhood caries), it’s a common bacteria infection that causes severe decay in young children, as a result of long and frequent exposure to sweet liquids such as milk (including breast milk), juice and formula. ECC is the most common chronic disease of childhood. To help avoid it, don’t nurse a baby to sleep or put a child to bed with a bottle. Brush and floss regularly (see below) and schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday.
How is a pediatric dentist different from a regular one?
A pediatric dentist like Dr. Araghi has an extra 2-3 years of special training to treat patients from birth to 18.
My son sucks his thumb. Should I worry?
Not necessarily. Sucking is natural in babies and young children, especially when they’re anxious. It helps them to relax. Children who suck hard on their thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or other objects can cause problems with tooth alignment, and you can expect and encourage a child to stop by the age of 3. Talk to Dr. Araghi about ways to help your child wean himself from the habit.
Why should we care about baby teeth?
Primary teeth are critical for proper chewing, to guide permanent teeth into position, help jaw bones and muscles to develop properly, and aid in speech. Even tiny teeth can get cavities and cause severe pain, and their premature loss can have serious and expensive orthodontic results later. On the other hand, a child who learns to care for her primary teeth will have good habits for a lifetime.
My child is 5. Won’t his baby teeth just fall out soon?
Proper habits are important at every age. While the front 4 teeth do fall out at around age 6-7, the back cuspids and molars aren’t replaced until the teen years.
What about flossing?
Start flossing when your child has two teeth touching, as flossing is designed to remove plaque between teeth.
What makes teeth crooked?
Heredity can be a big factor as the source of a child’s small jaw, widely spaced teeth, or extra, missing or large teeth. Thumb sucking, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, tongue thrusting and the premature loss of baby teeth due to decay or accident can also contribute.
How do I care for my daughter’s teeth? (She’s 3 months.)
It’s great that you’re planning ahead, as you should start brushing with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush when the first tooth appears. Add a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste at age 2-3 or when she’s old enough that she won’t swallow it (you don’t want her to ingest too much fluoride), and by age 4-5, she should be able to brush twice a day by herself.
