Tooth Facts for Kids
A great smile always helps you look your best!
Teeth also give your face its shape and add to the way you look.
Plus, not only do clean, healthy teeth help you look good,
they contribute to total body health and well-being.
What is a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists are your partners in health. They are health care professionals who teach you how to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy. They also can let you know if they see signs of other health problems. For example, did you know that a dental hygienist who looks inside your mouth can tell who's been smoking? You can ask your dental hygienist any questions you have about your teeth and gums.
What can I expect during an appointment with a dental hygienist?
Your dental hygienist will examine your mouth, teeth, and gums. He or she will clean your teeth and may take X rays (special pictures of teeth), give your teeth extra fluoride, or apply sealants. X rays are pictures of your teeth and bones. A fluoride treatment is a gel or foam that is put on your teeth to help keep them strong. Sealants are thin plastic coatings placed on your back teeth--sort of like a shield for your teeth. Your back teeth are full of places where germs called bacteria can hide and cause cavities. When sealants are applied, they fill in these places so no bacteria can hide there.
Why should I keep my teeth healthy?
Healthy teeth and gums are important for many reasons. Teeth bite, tear, and chew food when you eat. Teeth also help you speak clearly. Many letters of the alphabet cannot be sounded without the help of teeth (try saying "healthy teeth"). Clean, healthy teeth help keep the rest of your body healthy, too. And a sparkling smile always helps you look and feel your best!
Here are some tips to help you keep your teeth healthy & strong.
- Ask your dental hygienist to teach you how to brush & floss correctly.
- Don't eat sugary foods (like candy) or starchy foods (like pretzels) in between meals. Instead, try eating an apple, banana, or carrot. Drink milk instead of soda.
- If you do eat in between meals, be sure to brush your teeth when you are finished.
- Show off your smile to your parents and friends
While your wating in our waiting room, you can play in Dr. Amir's FunZone
or watch our furry friends get their teeth checked.
To learn more and play dental educational games that help kids learn
about visiting the dentist and how to keep teeth cavity free,
visit ADHA's Web site Kids' Stuff pages at: www.adha.org
Frequently Asked Questions
About Young Teeth 
Ask Your Dentist A Question or Set an Appointment today!
At what age do children start to lose their baby teeth? And how long does it take until all adult teeth are in place?
Children can start losing 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. Most children use brushes that are too big to be easily maneuvered into small spaces in their mouth. 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 (known as areas of demineralization), then dental decay occurs.
How many times each day should teeth be brushed? And When?
The two really important times to brush your teeth are in the morning after breakfast and at night before you go to bed. Any extra times you brush during the day is great particularly after eating sticky and sugary foods.
Visit The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) for more information or
Send us an email and ask the dentist your questions directly!