FAQs

We Love Questions!

Have a question? Most likely someone else has had it, too. We find that there are a lot of things parents consistently need to know. Whether it's about teething, flossing or how to save a knocked out tooth, we've got the answers for you. We've started with a few of the most commonly asked questions below.

If you need more information or have questions about specific topics, click on our Early Dental Care, Orthodontic Care and Emergency Care pages. If you don't find what you need, feel free to get in touch with us using our contact us form or give us a call at (704) 759-0000. And be sure to check back here for upcoming articles and information from the doctors at Laxer, Long & Savage.

At what age will my child's teeth come in?

Primary (baby) teeth generally begin to appear between 6 and 12 months. All 20 baby teeth are usually present by age 3.

Permanent teeth usually begin to erupt around age 6. Most children will have all of their permanent teeth, except wisdom teeth, around 12 years of age. The wisdom teeth typically erupt in the late teenage years.

At what age should I start cleaning my child's teeth?

Before the first teeth come in! Start by gently cleansing your baby's gums daily with a soft, clean cloth or an infant toothbrush and water. When the first tooth appears, begin using a toothbrush with water, or water and a small amount of toothpaste, at least once a day before bedtime. We recommend consulting with your pediatric dentist prior to using any products containing fluoride.

What can I do to relieve teething discomfort?

Massage the gums gently with a clean finger, the back of a cold spoon, or a cold, wet cloth. Cold teething rings work well, too, but avoid teething biscuits, as they may contain sugar, which is especially unhealthy for vulnerable baby teeth.

When should I schedule my child's first dental appointment?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that initial dental visits should take place by a child's first birthday.

How often should my child visit the dentist?

Routine dental visits should occur in six-month intervals, although this may vary based on the individual needs of your child.

What should I do for a toothache?

Clean around the sore tooth carefully and have your child rinse with warm salt water to displace any food trapped between teeth. For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be helpful. Contact us as soon as possible if pain is persistent or there are any visible signs of trauma or facial swelling.

Important note: Never place aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum, as aspirin contact causes chemical burns.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

Time is critical in the case of a lost permanent tooth. Call our office as quickly as possible and see a dentist immediately!

If you are able to find the tooth, handle it by the top (crown), not the root. Rinse it gently, but do not clean or handle unnecessarily. Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket and have your child hold it in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, place it in a cup of milk for transport to your dentist.