Frequently Asked Pediatric Dental Questions:

(Q:) What is a pediatric dentist?

(A:) A pediatric dentist has 2-3 years of specialized training after dental school in which they become board certified after taking a qualifying exam. A pediatric dental practice is limited to treating children from infancy through teenage years.

  • Dr. Wolff specializes in caring for children who have learning disorders, those that are afraid of the dentist and those with special needs.
  • As a pediatric dentist, Dr. Wolff will care for your children’s teeth and educate your family about healthy oral habits. She has worked with children just like yours for over 20 years.
  • She loves teaching kids about teeth and hopes many of her patients will grow up and become a dentist like her. In fact, as of this time (March of 2022), over 15 of Dr. Wolff’s former patients have become dentists!
(Q:) Why are primary teeth important to treat?

(A:) Primary teeth are templates for the permanent teeth. Some primary teeth may be in your mouth for over 10 years, so it is important to maintain their health and integrity. Decay in primary teeth can continue to grow if left untreated. Untreated decay can be painful, lead to infection and have harmful consequences on the permanent dentation!

(Q:) Which type of toothbrush should I use?

(A:) The brand of the toothbrush is not nearly as critical to your child’s dental care as the type of bristle and the size of the head. For children, a soft toothbrush with a small head is recommended. A small head allows them to get around each tooth more completely and is less likely to injure the gums. Medium and hard brushes tend to cause irritation and can contribute to recession of the gums. Dr. Wolff also recommends a rechargeable toothbrush made for children that makes brushing easier and provides a more thorough cleaning.

(Q:) Is one brand of toothpaste better than another?

(A:) It is advised that patients one year of age and older use a toothpaste containing fluoride to supplement their daily intake of fluoridated tap water. We recommend toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association.

(Q:) How often should I floss?

(A:) It is recommended that KIDS AND ADULTS floss once a day. This helps to keep gums healthy and prevent cavities from forming between the teeth. These are the hard to reach areas that cannot be reached by a toothbrush. A water flosser is a great adjunct to clean between teeth especially for children with braces.

(Q:) What is the better filling; silver or white?

(A:) While the U.S. Public Health Service issued a report in 1993 stating that there is no health reason not to use silver fillings (amalgam), more patients today are requesting “white” or tooth-colored composite resin fillings. Dr. Wolff’s office uses tooth-colored fillings because they “bond” to the tooth structure, helping to strengthen a tooth that has been weakened by decay. In addition, they are more aesthetically appealing.