Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of some of our most frequently asked questions. Please call the Kids First Dentistry office at 904.423.1377 for any additional assistance needed. We’re here to help!

Pediatric Dentistry

Why should I choose a pediatric dentist rather than a general dentist to treat my child?

Pediatric dentists have an additional two years of training and are dedicated to providing oral health care to children from infancy through the teen years. Young children, pre-teens, and teenagers have very different needs, and pediatric dentists are uniquely qualified to provide the specialized care they need. Pediatric dentists are extensively trained to deal with the behavioral aspects of children and to guide their dental development. They know how to gain a child’s trust and to make them feel comfortable with the treatment they are receiving.

In addition, they have had experience with various sedation techniques and are up-to-date with the newest and safest sedation procedures. They are also highly qualified to treat special needs children, including those with mental or physical challenges.

Fixing Baby Teeth

Why should I fix problems in my child’s baby teeth when they are only going to fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth?

Primary teeth, or baby teeth as they are more commonly referred to, are just as important to your child's health as permanent teeth. Primary teeth are invaluable as the child learns to eat and speak. Development of the face can also be affected by early loss of the primary incisors (front teeth).

Primary teeth guide the proper eruption of the permanent teeth. In addition, they maintain space in the arch for the permanent tooth. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the other teeth will drift forward and the space for the permanent tooth is lost creating a need for orthodontic treatment in the future.

If decay in the primary tooth is not removed, the tooth will decay. This can result in an infection or an abscess that can cause fevers and facial swelling and create serious health issues for the child.

Therefore, it is vitally important to take care of primary teeth with good hygiene and regular dental visits.

Emergency Dental Care

How do I know whether I need emergency dental treatment after my child’s accident?

Here are some guidelines to help you determine whether your child’s injury requires an emergency visit to Kids First Dentistry.

  • Knocked out baby tooth: Don’t worry about saving the baby tooth; apply a cold compress to the site of the injury and call the office.
  • Knocked out permanent tooth: If the tooth is not completely out, gently push it back into the tooth socket. If the tooth is totally out, find it, save it in milk (or saliva if no milk is available), and call the office immediately for an emergency visit.
  • Chipped baby tooth: Check to see if the tooth is out of position. If it is, call the office. If the tooth is simply chipped and the child is not in any pain or discomfort, you can call for a regular dental appointment.
  • Chipped permanent tooth: If the chipped piece is large, find the piece of tooth if possible, place it in milk, and call the office. If the chip is small and your child is not in any pain or discomfort, you can wait for a regular dental appointment.
  • In case of head trauma, watch your child’s behavior to ensure he or she is not disoriented, or has dilated eyes, slurred speech, or vomiting (which may all be signs of concussion). If any of these symptoms exist, go to the emergency room first, and we will treat the teeth after that.
  • In case of a laceration (severe cut) around the face area, treat serious cuts or broken facial bones at the emergency room first. Problems with the teeth can be addressed after ER treatment.

If in doubt about whether you need an emergency appointment, call the office at 904.423.1377. In case of a life-threatening emergency or serious head trauma, call 911.

Mouth Guards for Sports

Do I need to purchase a mouth guard for my child who is playing sports?

With children of all ages involved in all kinds of sports, injuries are inevitable. Luckily, injuries to teeth are easily avoidable with the use of a mouth guard. There are many options available for mouth guards. We will discuss those options with you and help you choose a mouth guard that best protects your child.