Do you have to floss a child's teeth?
Children's teeth can get decay in between them much more readily than adults. Only 25% of children have space in between all of their teeth; therefore, they need to floss to get the food and plaque out. Most children are able to floss their own teeth. Assistance from an adult is imperative.

Do kids need to see the dentist every six months?
For optimal teeth and heathy gums, the American Dental Association recommends that children get their teeth cleaned every six months. At the time a child gets their teeth cleaned, the dentist also checks for cavities and makes sure growth and development are normal for the jaws. Some orthodontists actually recommend that their patients in braces need professional cleaning every three months.

Are cavities hereditary?
Cavities are not hereditary. The only thing that is handed down from generation to generation are habits. Usually a child will follow after their parents in their dietary habits. People that eat more sugary foods usually have children who eat more sugary foods. It is proven that a diet high in sugar promotes tooth decay. In addition, oral hygiene habits are learned. Parents who brush and floss three times a day usually teach their children to do the same.

Dr. Christy Haffner
Pediatric Dentistry
3300 Old Milton PKWY
Suite 250
Alpharetta, GA 30005
770-777-9400

Is it harmful to give a child a bottle or sippy cup to take to bed with them?
Taking a drink to bed can cause cavities. If a child has a drink during the night or wants one to help them fall asleep, bacteria will have not defenses against them and they will start to produce tooth decay. When you sleep, your salivary production is decreased. Saliva is what rinses your teeth and coats them to protect them. In addition, a child having a drink without brushing their teeth also can help to promote tooth decay.

Do children need to see a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dentists are to teeth what Pediatricians are to the body. A pediatric dentist has two to three years more dental training than a family dentist. The extra years of training are devoted entirely to the additional needs of children.

Do you need to lose all baby teeth before braces/orthodontics are started?
Sometimes this is true, however, many children can benefit from interceptive techniques. It can be very beneficial for a child if jaws are manipulated and growth spurts are maximized. An orthodontist or pediatric dentist can do many different techniques to help a child's teeth come in less crooked. Techniques include extractions, space maintainers, expanders, and even early braces.