Pediatric dental care can be tricky. Most new parents are fully informed about diet, sleeping, potty training, and similar subjects. However, there just doesn’t seem to be much information about caring for children’s teeth. As a result, you may be worried about cavities and poor dental development. Fortunately, your Southlake family dentist is here to help. To test your knowledge about children’s dentistry, take the quiz below. Then come into our office for further guidance in how to protect your little one’s smile. Our dentists are also parents, so they know how to provide truly effective and compassionate care.

Children’s Dentistry Quiz

1. When should you schedule your child’s first dental visit?
   A. When he or she starts school.
   B. When his or her first baby teeth come in.
   C. When his or her first adult teeth come in.
   D. When my pediatrician recommends it.
2. When should you start brushing your child’s teeth?
   A. As soon as they come in.
   B. When he or she starts eating solid foods.
   C. When he or she has two or more touching teeth.
   D. Before the teeth even erupt.
3. When should your children begin brushing their teeth on their own?
   A. When they begin feeding themselves.
   B. When they start school.
   C. It varies for each child.
   D. Age 5
4. When should you start flossing your child’s teeth?
   A. As soon as he or she has two or more touching teeth.
   B. When the adult teeth start to come in.
   C. When he or she can tolerate it without crying.
   D. As soon as the first baby tooth comes in.

Check Your Answers

1. B – Your child should have his or her first dental visit no more than six months after the first tooth erupts. Through early dental care, your Southlake dentist can check for signs of decay or misalignment. We can also perform routine cleanings and help teach your child about good dental care.
2. A and D – You should start wiping your child’s gums with a soft cloth right after he or she is born. Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts.
3. C – Although most children can start to brush for themselves around age 5, this will vary for each child. You should carefully watch your children’s brushing to make sure they are capable of handling the toothbrush on their own. Even after they start to maintain their own dental hygiene, you should monitor their routine to make sure they are brushing thoroughly.
4. A. – You should gently floss your child’s adjoining teeth. Most children can floss on their own by the age of 10, but, again, this will vary for each child.

ABOUT YOUR SOUTHLAKE FAMILY DENTISTS:

As a native Texan, Gregory Wright, DDS, opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.