When Does My Child Need Their First Dental Exam & More – Frequently Asked Questions

Theriot Family Dental Care is committed to serving the community, and that is why they’re the local dental expert for the Lafayette area. They’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions ranging from: “At what age do I bring my child in for his first dental exam?” to “Why do I need x-rays?”. After reading their frequently asked questions, answer a trivia question to earn 500 points. 1. At what age do I bring my child in for his first dental exam?

• Children can be brought to the dentist around the age of 1 for their first dental exam. The exam will consist of checking for decay, familiarizing the child with the dental office, and educating the parents on cavity prevention.

2. Why do I need X-rays?

• X-rays help the doctor detect cavities at an early stage. Early detection leads to lower treatment costs and shorter dental appointments. Therefore, the minimum exposure one receives when taking x-rays is outweighed by the advantages of taking them.

3. Why do my children need fluoride?

• Fluoride is a great way to aid in cavity prevention. Fluoride is absorbed more by teeth when they first erupt therefore it is important to administer it to children. Also, when fluoride is absorbed by the teeth it makes them stronger and less likely to breakdown and form cavities.

4. My face is swollen and my tooth is hurting what should I do?

• Call your dentist immediately. You most likely have an abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth is an infected tooth due to advanced dental decay.  If that infection is not treated immediately with antibiotics the infection can get into the blood stream and infect other vital organs in our body.

5. Why are my gums bleeding?

• One of the most likely sources of bleeding gums is gingivitis. Gingivitis is gum disease that causes the gum tissue to become irritated, red, swollen, and possibly cause bleeding. Gingivitis can be cured by brushing two to three times a day, using a mouth rinse, and flossing regularly.

TRIVIA QUESTION: What is the first thing you should do if your face is swollen, and your tooth is hurting?

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