February is almost over (one day left thanks to a Leap Year!) and with it National Children’s Dental Health Month. As I’ve mentioned several times, my husband is a dentist. Which truly is the only reason that I happen to know that. My kids happen to love going to the dentist (I mean, that’s no surprise, right?), but I know that’s not always the case. So to finish up this month I thought I would address some of the questions y’all asked me via Instagram Stories about pediatric dentistry. Keep reading to see if any of your questions for your child’s dentist are answered. This post is sponsored by Michael J. Young, DDS, Inc. located in Foresthill, California.

questions for your child’s dentist

Tell me about pacifiers. My girls never used one but my son (about 3) uses one at night. Should we get rid of it like yesterday?

Yes, by age 3 I would just get rid of it – while you may have a few nights with less sleep than you like at least it’ll be over with quickly. Thumb habits are a whole other beast so be thankful it’s just a pacifier.

Why do so many kids get braces so young now?

Historically orthodontic treatment has been started as the child is losing their last baby teeth. However, there are times when due to less than ideal growth patterns of the jaws it would be advantageous to initiate orthodontic treatment early in an effort to modify their growth.

If a child’s jaws are growing irregularly an orthodontist can attempt to correct their growth pattern prior to puberty without relying on surgery. This has historically been the reason why an orthodontist might initiate treatment at an early age. Oftentimes when this phase one orthodontic treatment is performed the child will still need to undergo orthodontic therapy again (phase two therapy) as they get older; the goal is typically to avoid surgery but sometimes this phase two therapy can be avoided as well.

Is it better for your teeth to drink from a straw? Especially if you want a sugary drink?

If you are going to drink sugary drinks it is better to use a straw. The same goes for acidic drinks (orange juice, diet soda, etc.). However, I generally don’t recommend sugary drinks. For water whether or not you use a straw doesn’t matter.

| Print up a free tooth brushing chart here. |

questions about fluoride

What resources do you have to share regarding fluoride?

I recommend the ADA website: https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/advocating-for-the-public/fluoride-and-fluoridation

Any tips for how to stop my toddler from eating the toothpaste?

There’s not really any way to stop them from eating the toothpaste. If you live in a fluoridated community and your child is already consuming fluoride then eating the toothpaste could be a problem; better to stay with a fluoride free paste until they are spitting out effectively. If like us you live in a community that doesn’t fluoridate make sure you’re staying within the recommended amount of toothpaste (I suggest a small pea-sized amount) and I really wouldn’t worry about it too much.

What is the best toothbrush and toothpaste for kids? Electric? Fluoride?

It’s going to depend on the age of child. Generally speaking an electric toothbrush is going to be better (and kids usually like them), IF they’re using them correctly. I would typically recommend a fluoride toothpaste—again, depending on the age of the child. We currently live in a community that doesn’t have fluoridated water so unless I prescribe them fluoride tablets they would not be getting fluoride from any other source.

| Read tips for easing anxiety during pediatric dental visits here. |

What questions would you have for your child’s dentist?

Dr. Michael J. Young practices general dentistry for the entire family in Foresthill, California. He graduated from UCLA School of Dentistry and worked for a few years at a pediatric dental practice in Texas. You can follow Foresthill Dentist on Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest