Parents play a huge role in the oral health of their children. They provide reminders about brushing and flossing, schedule dental appointments, and make decisions about which situations require dental care. Such a significant responsibility can be a bit daunting, so to help you prepare for the many dental scenarios your child may face, your Milford dentist, Dr. Mitchell I. Quintner, has created this quiz.
Take the Quiz
- True or False: Tooth decay does not require treatment in baby teeth.
- True or False: Children who grind their teeth typically do not require treatment.
- True or False: Three minutes is a good duration for brushing.
Check Your Answers
- False. Tooth decay requires treatment at any age. While it may seem logical that a baby tooth would not require treatment because it is not permanent, untreated tooth decay in a baby tooth can lead to serious problems. Infections can develop, and there is no guarantee that they will be limited to the damaged tooth. Sometimes they can spread throughout the mouth, and other times, they can make their way into the body, causing illness. An untreated cavity in a baby tooth may also damage the tooth to the point that it falls out, and once gone, the tooth cannot fulfill its job as a placeholder for the adult tooth. With the tooth missing, the surrounding teeth may grow into the area, causing future orthodontic problems.
- True. An estimated 38 percent of children grind their teeth, but the habit typically ends around age six. During this time, the force generated by grinding (bruxism) does not pose a significant threat to teeth. Accordingly, bruxism treatment for children is rare. However, if your child complains of lingering sensitivities or a sore jaw, be sure to notify your Milford family dentist, Dr. Quintner.
- True. Three minutes should give your child enough time to clean his or her teeth thoroughly. Because most songs are about three minutes long, you may consider using a favorite song as a brushing timer to make the process more fun for your little one.
Schedule a Visit with your Milford Family Dentist
Regular dental visits can help keep your child in good oral health. If more than six months have passed since your child’s last checkup, contact our 06460 dentist office to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Milford family dentist, Dr. Quintner, today by calling 203-878-6699. We proudly serve the 06460 area and welcome patients from Milford, Orange, Woodmont, West Haven, and all neighboring communities.