Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I bring my child to the dentist?
We would like to see your child by age 1, or 6 months after the eruption of their
first tooth. The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Academy of Pediatric
Dentistry, as well as the American Dental Association recommend obtaining a dental home
by age 1.
At this visit, we will discuss proper brushing and flossing habits, nutrition,
and most of all prevention of cavities. We will also evaluate for proper formation of
your child's enamel and discuss what to do in case of any trauma.
When should I start brushing and flossing my child's teeth?
As soon as they start to erupt. You can also massage and clean the gums with a soft bristled toothbrush.
If your childs teeth are close together, please start flossing them. Schedule a visit and we will show
you how.
Is it alright for my child to use fluoride toothpaste?
Fluoride is very beneficial to teeth, both erupted and unerupted. If too much fluoride
is ingested while the teeth are forming, the permanent teeth may become affected in the
form of white spots or fluorosis. Therefore, fluoride toothpaste should be used with care and supervision.
A small pea sized amount is sufficient when they are first starting to spit. Prior to that time, it is best to use a piece of rice size amount and know that it will be swallowed.
Is gum chewing bad for the teeth?
Sugarless gum can actually be beneficial for the teeth. It stimulates saliva flow, which helps bathe the
teeth and gets food out of the chewing surfaces.
Many of the new sugarless gums contain Xyitol, which neutralizes the acids in the mouth that can cause
cavities.
Is nursing better for the teeth than a bottle?
There is actually more sugar in breast milk. The problem comes with length of exposure. When a child
nurses on demand and falls asleep at the breast, it can be as damaging as taking a bottle to bed. It is
best to feed the child and wipe the gums and/or teeth off with a gauze or washcloth before letting them
sleep.
What can I expect on my child's first visit?
Your child will get a tour of the office and be introduced to our office staff. The first visit will
usually be an examination by the doctor and possibly x-rays and/or a cleaning. We like your child's first
visit to be a pleasurable one. Treatment is usually not done on the first visit.
Why is dental care so important for baby teeth?
Children have some of their baby teeth until the age of 11 or 12. The enamel (outer layer) is very
thin on baby teeth. A cavity can grow very quickly in a child's mouth. A large cavity can result in
pain, infection (abscess), tooth loss and eventually space loss. Permanent teeth can be affected by
abscess or trauma of baby teeth.
Are x-rays safe for my child?
Routine x -rays or radiographs are very safe for your child. We use the fastest speed film and the
least amount of exposure. We are also careful to drape your child with a lead apron that has a thyroid
collar attached to it. Without x-rays, we are unable to completely diagnose dental decay (cavities)
thay may be in between their teeth.
Do you accept credit cards?
We accept MC, Visa, Discover, American Express, and Care Credit.
What are your office hours?
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 8:10am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:10am - 2:00pm
Friday and Saturday: Closed
As a specialist in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Zupko believes in individualized care with all treatment being tailored to the needs of each patient. If you have any questions about your child's oral hygiene or dental needs, feel free to contact us.
