• When should we bring our child in for a first dental visit?
• When do the first permanent teeth erupt?
• Why do we have to fix the "baby" teeth if they are going to fall out anyway?
• Why do we have to use a space maintainer to replace a primary tooth that is lost too early?
• Why does my child have two sets of teeth in the front?
• If my child's baby teeth are crooked, will their permanent teeth be crooked?
• When can my child get braces?
• What causes white spots on a child's teeth?
• What are the most common mouth sores and how should they be treated?


Q: When should we bring our child in for a first dental visit?
A: As early as six months, usually for a visual exam and to learn how to clean your child's teeth. The American Dental Association recommends scheduling a visit to the dentist within six months of the first tooth coming out, and no later than the child's first birthday. Beginning positive dental health care practices early in a child's life supports their level of comfort with the dentist in the future.

Q: When do the first permanent teeth erupt?
A: (From American Dental Association Web site)

Q: Why do we have to fix the "baby" teeth if they are going to fall out anyway?
A: 1. Baby teeth provide space maintenance so that the permanent teeth will grow in properly.
2. Baby teeth need to be kept healthy to prevent the occurrence of abscesses. An abscess will affect the healthy growth of the permanent teeth.

Q: Why do we have to use a space maintainer to replace a primary tooth that is lost too early?
A: If a primary tooth is lost before the permanent tooth is ready to come in, a space maintainer helps to reserve space for that permanent tooth. Without a space maintainer, nearby teeth can move into the empty space not allowing the permanent tooth to grow in correctly.

Q: Why does my child have two sets of teeth in the front?
A: The permanent teeth in the front begin to come out on the tongue side of the baby teeth, usually while the baby teeth are still there. During that time, it appears that there are two sets of teeth until the baby teeth fall out.

Q: If my child's baby teeth are crooked, will their permanent teeth be crooked?
A: No, not necessarily. There is still a chance that their teeth may be straight.

Q: When can my child get braces?
A: The American Dental Association recommends every child receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. The average age a child gets braces is around 10 or 11 years old, once all of the primary teeth have come out. If you suspect that your child may need braces, it is best to see an orthodontist who can provide guidance and suggest the best time to begin treatment.

Q: What causes white spots on a child's teeth?
A: There are a few reasons for white spots. The main reasons could be:
1. A child may have gotten sick during the development of their teeth, causing the enamel to not completely form, making their teeth more cavity prone.
2. Too much fluoride – especially in cities where the water is fluoridated, or digesting a lot of fluoride.

Q: What are the most common mouth sores and how should they be treated?
A: (This information is adapted from the American Dental Association.)
Mouth sores are irritating, painful and many times unsightly. There are numerous causes of mouth sores including bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Even a loose orthodontic wire, an ill-fitting denture, or a sharp edge created by a broken tooth or filling can cause mouth sores.

Mouth sores may also be symptoms of a disease or disorder. Be sure to have your dentist examine mouth sores that last more than one week. These are the most common types of mouth sores:

Canker sores are small ulcers with a white or gray base and red border that erupt inside the mouth. Canker sores are not contagious; there may be one or more and they often reoccur. The exact cause is unknown, but some experts believe that immune system problems, bacteria, or viruses may be involved.

Fatigue, stress or allergies can increase the risk of a canker sore. A cut caused by biting of the cheek or tongue, or reactions from consuming hot foods or beverages can contribute to the development of canker sores. Some people with intestinal problems like colitis and Crohn’s disease, seem to be more susceptible to developing canker sores.

Canker sores usually heal on their own after a week or two, but outbreaks may occur. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics and antimicrobial mouthrinses may provide temporary relief. Sufferers are advised to avoid hot, spicy or acidic foods that can irritate the sore. Antibiotics and some oral bandages can reduce secondary infection.

Cold sores, also called fever blisters or Herpes simplex, are groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters. These sores frequently occur around the lips and sometimes under the nose and around the chin.

Cold sores caused by herpes virus type 1 are highly contagious. The initial infection, primary herpes, often occurs before adulthood and may be confused with a cold or flu; it can cause painful lesions to break out in the mouth.

A person infected with primary herpes will carry the virus in the body and experience occasional attacks. For some people, the virus stays inactive. Recurring herpes lesions appear as multiple tiny fluid-filled blisters or cold sores that commonly appear around the edge of the lips. A herpes attack may occur after a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions or emotional stress.

Cold sore blisters tend to heal within a week by themselves. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics can provide some relief, and prescription antiviral drugs can reduce these types of viral infections.

Leukoplakia is identified by a thick, whitish-color patch that forms on the inside of the cheeks, gums, or tongue. The patches are caused by excess cell growth and are common among tobacco users. Irritations such as a denture that doesn’t fit or frequently chewing on the inside of the cheek can cause leukoplakia, which can lead to cancer. Your dentist may recommend a biopsy if the patch appears to be threatening.

Your dentist will examine the patch and check the biopsy results to determine how to manage the disease. Treatment would begin with eliminating the factors that contribute to the lesion, i.e., quitting tobacco or replacing ill-fitting dentures.

Candidiasis is a fungal infection that is also called moniliasis or oral thrush, which occurs when the yeast Candida albicans reproduces in large numbers. Candidiasis is common among denture wearers and often occurs in people who are very young, elderly, suffer from disease, or who have immune system problems. People with dry mouth syndrome are highly susceptible to this condition. Candida can flourish after antibiotic treatment, which can cause a decrease the normal bacteria in the mouth.

Treatment of candidiasis consists of preventing or controlling the conditions that cause the outbreak. Good oral hygiene is very important. Denture wearers should clean their dentures to eliminate Candida and take them off at bedtime. Saliva substitutes and prescription medications can be helpful when the main cause is unavoidable or incurable.

For additional information for these or any other questions, we recommend that you see your dentist who can best assess your needs based on your condition.