--- title: "Dental FAQ" description: "First visits, x-rays, thumb-sucking, teething, sealants, and more — 29 pediatric dental questions answered by the holistic team at Green Apple Pediatric Dentistry in Austin." canonical_url: "https://greenappleatx.com/dental-faq/" markdown_url: "https://greenappleatx.com/dental-faq.md" site_name: "Green Apple Pediatric Dentistry" lang: "en-US" type: "FAQPage" date_published: "2020-12-15T01:29:44+00:00" date_modified: "2026-06-19T15:44:05+00:00" image: "https://greenappleatx.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/green-apple-pediatric-dentistry-hero-austin.jpg" generator: "md4wp/3.0.7" builder_detected: "generic" content_source: "page" --- PATIENT INFORMATION # Dental FAQ Find answers to common questions about pediatric dentistry, frenectomy procedures, and caring for your child's oral health. ## Jump to a Section General Questions Section Frenectomy (Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie Revision) Section Baby or Infant-Related Questions Section School-Aged Children Related Questions Section General Questions ## General Dental Questions Why should children see a pediatric dentist? Pediatric dentists have specialized training in child development, behavior management, and treating children with special needs. Our office is designed to be child-friendly, and our team knows how to make dental visits comfortable and even fun for kids. Why do you have to take x-rays? X-rays help us detect problems that cannot be seen during a visual examination, such as cavities between teeth, issues with tooth development, and problems with the jawbone. We use digital x-rays which emit minimal radiation and are safe for children. Should I use toothpaste to brush my baby's teeth? Which toothpaste do you recommend? We recommend a mineralizing toothpaste with xylitol for any age. Use a rice grain amount for children under 3 years old and a pea-size amount for older children. My child plays sports. How should I protect my child's teeth? We recommend using a mouthguard for any sport where there is risk of injury to the mouth. Custom-fitted mouthguards provide the best protection and comfort. Ask us about getting a custom mouthguard for your child. Does my child truly need to come in for check-ups every six months? Yes, regular check-ups every six months allow us to monitor your child's oral health, evaluate the growth and development of the jaws, catch problems early, and provide preventive care like cleanings. Early detection means less invasive and less expensive treatment. My young child goes to school. Can his appointment be after school? We offer afternoon appointments to accommodate school schedules. However, for younger children or more extensive procedures, morning appointments are often better as children are typically more cooperative and well-rested. Is it possible to treat my child without use of sedation, nitrous oxide gas, restraint, or verbal behavior management? Yes, we use a tell-show-do approach and positive reinforcement to help children feel comfortable. Every child is different, and we adapt our approach based on your child's needs and comfort level. Frenectomy ## Frenectomy (Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie Revision) Questions What is a tongue-tie? A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition where the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenulum) is too short or tight, restricting tongue movement. This can affect feeding, speech, and oral development. What is a lip-tie? A lip-tie is when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums (labial frenulum) is too thick or tight, restricting lip movement. This can cause problems with breastfeeding, gap between front teeth, and oral hygiene issues. Is the procedure painful? The laser procedure causes minimal discomfort. For infants, we use a small amount of topical anesthetic. For older children, we may use local anesthetic. Most patients experience only mild discomfort that resolves quickly. Will insurance cover the procedure? Coverage varies by insurance plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify coverage. Our team can also help you understand your benefits and payment options. Baby & Infant ## Baby or Infant-Related Dental Questions How should I clean my baby's teeth? Use a soft, damp washcloth or infant toothbrush to gently clean your baby's gums and teeth twice a day, especially after feedings and before bedtime. Start cleaning even before the first tooth erupts. At what age should my baby/child have his/her first visit? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth erupts, whichever comes first. What is baby bottle decay and how can I prevent it? Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by prolonged exposure to liquids containing sugar, such as milk, formula, or juice. To prevent it, never put your baby to bed with a bottle, clean your baby's teeth after feedings, and transition to a cup by age 1. How soon should I start flossing my child's teeth? How often? Start flossing as soon as your child has two teeth that touch. Floss once daily, preferably before bedtime, to remove plaque and food particles between teeth. How does thumb sucking harm my child's teeth? Prolonged thumb sucking can affect the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of teeth. Most children stop on their own between ages 2-4. If the habit continues beyond age 4, it may cause problems with tooth position and jaw development. How can I help my child through the teething stage? You can help by gently massaging your baby's gums with a clean finger, providing a chilled (not frozen) teething ring, and using natural teething remedies such as Hyland's teething tablets, Dr. Talbot's, Chamomilla, and similar products. I notice a space between my child's two upper front teeth. Is this a concern? Does something need to be done? A gap between the upper front teeth is common in young children and often closes naturally as more teeth come in. However, if the gap is caused by a thick frenum, a frenectomy may be needed. We can evaluate this during your child's visit. If my child gets a cavity in a baby tooth, should it still be filled -- aren't they just baby teeth? Yes, baby teeth should be treated even if they will eventually fall out. Cavities can cause pain, infection, and problems with eating and speaking. Losing baby teeth too early can also affect the spacing for permanent teeth. School-Aged Children ## School-Aged Children Dental Questions My child has a new tooth coming in behind the front ones -- is this a problem? This is commonly known as "shark teeth" and occurs when permanent teeth come in behind baby teeth before the baby teeth have fallen out. In many cases, the baby teeth will fall out on their own. If they don't, we may need to extract them to allow proper alignment. If my child has trauma to the mouth, can we be seen immediately? Yes, we prioritize dental emergencies. If your child experiences trauma to the mouth, call our office immediately at 512-917-4550. We will do our best to see your child as soon as possible, often the same day. My child has ear pain but no ear infection. Could it be their teeth? Erupting 6-year molars can sometimes mimic an ear infection. If your child complains of ear pain but the pediatrician finds no ear infection, erupting molars may be the cause. What if my child's permanent teeth are taking too long to erupt? Sometimes the gum tissue is thick and fibrous, causing the permanent tooth to fail to erupt. At that point a quick, simple surgical procedure is performed to allow the tooth to erupt. As soon as the gum tissue is removed, the new tooth is already visible. My child has a lisp or trouble pronouncing words. Could it be dental? A lisp or improper enunciation of words at this age can often be related to a tongue tie and/or lip tie. These problems are not always caught by other providers — often it is a teacher who first points it out to the parents. My child has sudden, severe tooth pain that lasts less than a day. What does that mean? Random acute, severe pain on a tooth that lasts 24 hours or less is usually a sign of infection. Children have a short acute pain phase followed by a long chronic infection phase until they develop an abscess and/or facial swelling. The bacteria can travel to any part of the body, so if not treated promptly these tooth infections can become a medical emergency. What should I do if my child injures a permanent tooth? At this age there are typically permanent teeth present. If trauma occurs, call our office immediately at 512-917-4550. My child's braces or expander came loose. What should I do? If your child has braces and/or an expander and part of it or the entire appliance becomes loose or unattached, try to gently push it back into place if possible. If it is causing pain and you are unable to reposition it, call us immediately. A wire is poking my child's cheek. How can I help? If a wire is poking your child, place a piece of orthodontic wax over it to cushion the cheek or tongue until you can be seen. A bracket came loose but is still attached to the wire. What now? If a bracket becomes loose but is still on the wire, held by the rubber band around it, leave it in place and be seen as soon as possible. More FAQs coming soon! Please feel free to submit any questions you'd like added to this section. [Submit a Question](https://greenappleatx.com/contact/) ## Disclaimer Medically reviewed by [Dr. Maria Evelina Guerrero, DDS](https://greenappleatx.com/about/#person-dr-evy) — Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist Last updated: June 19, 2026 The information on this page is provided for general education and is not a substitute for professional dental or medical advice. Every child is different — for guidance about your child's specific needs, please talk with Dr. Evy or your pediatric care provider. 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Does something need to be done?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A gap between the upper front teeth is common in young children and often closes naturally as more teeth come in. However, if the gap is caused by a thick frenum, a frenectomy may be needed. We can evaluate this during your child's visit." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "If my child gets a cavity in a baby tooth, should it still be filled -- aren't they just baby teeth?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, baby teeth should be treated even if they will eventually fall out. Cavities can cause pain, infection, and problems with eating and speaking. Losing baby teeth too early can also affect the spacing for permanent teeth." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "My child has a new tooth coming in behind the front ones -- is this a problem?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "This is commonly known as \"shark teeth\" and occurs when permanent teeth come in behind baby teeth before the baby teeth have fallen out. In many cases, the baby teeth will fall out on their own. If they don't, we may need to extract them to allow proper alignment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "If my child has trauma to the mouth, can we be seen immediately?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, we prioritize dental emergencies. If your child experiences trauma to the mouth, call our office immediately at 512-917-4550. We will do our best to see your child as soon as possible, often the same day." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "My child has ear pain but no ear infection. Could it be their teeth?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Erupting 6-year molars can sometimes mimic an ear infection. If your child complains of ear pain but the pediatrician finds no ear infection, erupting molars may be the cause." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if my child's permanent teeth are taking too long to erupt?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Sometimes the gum tissue is thick and fibrous, causing the permanent tooth to fail to erupt. At that point a quick, simple surgical procedure is performed to allow the tooth to erupt. As soon as the gum tissue is removed, the new tooth is already visible." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "My child has a lisp or trouble pronouncing words. Could it be dental?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A lisp or improper enunciation of words at this age can often be related to a tongue tie and/or lip tie. These problems are not always caught by other providers — often it is a teacher who first points it out to the parents." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "My child has sudden, severe tooth pain that lasts less than a day. What does that mean?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Random acute, severe pain on a tooth that lasts 24 hours or less is usually a sign of infection. Children have a short acute pain phase followed by a long chronic infection phase until they develop an abscess and/or facial swelling. The bacteria can travel to any part of the body, so if not treated promptly these tooth infections can become a medical emergency." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What should I do if my child injures a permanent tooth?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "At this age there are typically permanent teeth present. If trauma occurs, call our office immediately at 512-917-4550." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "My child's braces or expander came loose. What should I do?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If your child has braces and/or an expander and part of it or the entire appliance becomes loose or unattached, try to gently push it back into place if possible. If it is causing pain and you are unable to reposition it, call us immediately." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "A wire is poking my child's cheek. How can I help?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If a wire is poking your child, place a piece of orthodontic wax over it to cushion the cheek or tongue until you can be seen." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "A bracket came loose but is still attached to the wire. What now?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If a bracket becomes loose but is still on the wire, held by the rubber band around it, leave it in place and be seen as soon as possible." } } ] } ```