Most parents amaze us with their expertise and broad knowledge when it comes to their children’s health. They become experts through research and asking questions and the interest they take in providing the best for their children. Let’s review some of the most common questions we get asked about kids’ dental health!

Why fix baby teeth, aren’t they just going to fall out anyway?

Baby teeth play an essential role in your child’s growth and development. Aside from the adorable smiles, teeth help your child eat and speak and play a role in guiding jaw development. Optimum dental health prevents infections that could put your child in pain and in bed instead of out there exploring and learning the world! Baby teeth also guide the direction of permanent teeth and preserve space for them in the future.

My child grinds his/her teeth. Is this normal?

It’s a common habit in children and adults, and like thumbsucking, teeth grinding is potentially damaging to teeth. If your child grinds his/her teeth, pay attention to when and why. It could be due to the stress of starting school, or lots of homework. Help your child with the possible cause, and see if the teeth grinding goes away. Sometimes it is related to the way the upper and lower teeth interact. These problems can require the assistance of one of our orthodontists. We can recommend mouth guards when the amount of wear warrants it to serve as a cushion and prevent damage to the teeth and lower the risk of gum/jaw pain.

At what age should my child see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a visit to an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. Interceptive orthodontics can detect and prevent tooth eruption and jaw development problems before they become significant. Interception can also fix issues early so comprehensive treatment is faster and easier in the teen years. Young children are extremely compliant and tend to do very well with interceptive treatment and getting some of the heavy lifting done in the younger years can make treatment needs during the busier and often more independent adolescent years much easier. If you see problems in your child’s teeth, like overbites, gaps, or overcrowding, our orthodontists can help. But always remember, there could be issues that you don’t see.

I buy juice with ‘no added sugars’. Is this ok for my child’s teeth?

All fruit juices naturally have sugars and acids that can wreak havoc on teeth, especially when consumed in large quantities. If it’s the vitamins you’re after, it’s better for your child to eat fruits. It fills them up as a very healthy snack! Eating fruit is also good for the teeth and digestive system!

About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates

Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Premier Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. The ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options.  We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.

39400 Garfield Rd., Suite 200
Clinton Township, MI
48038
US
Phone: 586-286-0700
Fax: 586-286-5932