Children's FAQ

What does a Dentist do?

A dentist checks your teeth to see if they are healthy and tells you how to take good care of your teeth and gums.

Why should you have regular check-ups at the dentist?

To get your teeth cleaned and make sure you are taking care of your teeth and gums.

Why are teeth important?

Teeth help you talk and eat.

Why is it important to keep your teeth clean?

Cleaning your teeth keeps them healthy and strong. It also rids your mouth of germs.

How often should you brush your teeth?

Two times a day.

How long should you brush your teeth for?

Two to three minutes.

When should you replace your toothbrush?

When the bristles wear out. Or at least every three months.

How can you keep your teeth healthy?

Brush your teeth two times a day, visit the dentist regularly and eat foods that are good for you.

What is floss?

A special kind of string used to clean between your teeth.

Why do dentists wear masks and gloves?

To protect themselves and you from germs.

What are dental sealants?

Sealants are a plastic coating put on your teeth to protect you from cavities.

What are dental x-rays?

Photographs that show the inside of your teeth.

What is plaque?

A film of germs on your teeth that can cause decay.

Why is plaque bad for your teeth?

It makes the acid that causes cavities and decay.

What is tooth decay?

A break down or rotting of your tooth.

What is a cavity?

A hole in your teeth.

What kinds of things can damage your teeth?

Chewing on pencils or ice.

What is a mouth guard?

A plastic cover that protects your top teeth.

When should you wear a mouth guard?

When you play sports or ride your bike.

How many sets of teeth do people get?

Two.

Why do you lose your baby teeth?

As you get older, you need bigger and stronger teeth.

Why doesn’t my baby brother or sister have any teeth?

A baby does have the beginnings of teeth even before he or she is born, but they do not become visible until he or she is about six to seven months old.

How many teeth do kids have?

Twenty.

What are these teeth called?

Baby teeth or primary teeth.

Why do my teeth fall out?

Your tooth is being slowly pushed out by your adult tooth that is behind it.

What is an adult tooth?

A tooth that is permanent.

How many adult teeth do people usually get?

Thirty-two.

How long can adult teeth last?

If taken care of, adult teeth can last a lifetime.

What flavors of toothpaste can I choose from at Dr. Atkins office?

Bubblegum, cherry, cinnamon, cookie dough, grape, mint, and raspberry.

What is Fluoride?

A natural element that works by making tooth enamel harder and more resistant to the acid that causes tooth decay.

What are teeth made of?

Calcium and other minerals.

What are the two basic parts of the teeth?

The root to anchor the tooth to the jaw and the crown above the gum line.

How many different types of teeth do humans have?

Four. Incisors, Cuspids, Bicuspids and Molars.

What are the functions of each kind of tooth?

Incisors are for cutting off bites of food. Cuspids, also called Canines because of their long sharp points, are used for tearing food. Bicuspids have two points and are used to tear and crush food. Molars have large flat surfaces used to crush and grind food.

At what age do children start to loose their baby teeth? And how long does it take until all adult teeth are in place?

Children can start loosing their baby teeth anywhere from about the age of 5 to about 7. Usually the two front teeth on the bottom are the first teeth to be replaced. Your second molars typically appear by age 12 to 13. Some people have third molars which are sometimes called "wisdom teeth" these can appear after age 16.

Should children use a different toothbrush than adults?

Children should use smaller brushes with shorter brushing planes in proportion to the size of their mouths. By the way, in addition to changing brush every three months or when the bristles appear worn, it's a good idea to toss those brushes after colds or sore throats!

Should children use the same toothpaste as adults?

All that you need from your toothpaste is the fluoride that helps strengthen your teeth and protects them from cavities. The time you should spend brushing and your technique are more important, so go with the flavor you prefer. Remember only a pea-sized drop of paste on your brush is all that is necessary.

Why is candy and other sugary foods bad for teeth?

Sugar on the tooth surface is changed to acid within 5 minutes time. The acid acts to dissolve the tooth surface. When this happens often enough, the tooth surface breaks down. At first you see white spots, then dental decay occurs.