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Sturz & Abby Sturz & Abby
Sturz and Abby
(661)588-2525
9860 Brimhall Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93312
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Orthodontics
  • Parent Resources
    • New Patients
    • Emergencies
    • Tooth Care
    • FAQs
    • Financial/Insurance Info
  • Forms
  • Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age does my child need to visit the orthodontist?

According to the American Academy of Orthodontics (AAO), kids should receive an orthodontic consultation between the ages of 7 and 8 years old.  This does not mean that all 8 year olds need braces.  This is simply an opportunity to meet the orthodontist, evaluate your child’s smile and make plans for what comes next.

My child is extremely anxious about going to the dentist. What treatment options do you offer?

We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation and we have the ability to treat your child under a general anesthetic, if needed.

When will my child lose their first tooth?

On average, kids lose their first tooth around 6 years old.

When is my child old enough to brush on their own?

Children need supervision with brushing until they are able to adequately clean every surface of every tooth in their mouth. Most kids get to be pretty good at brushing around 8 years old.

When can my child get sealants?

Sealants are most often placed on adult molars around the age of 6 or 7.  However, in some cases, children can benefit from sealants being placed on their baby teeth, too.

Is there fluoride in our water?

No – there is negligible fluoride in our community water supply.

What’s wrong with using a pacifier?

Frequent and intense use of a pacifier can deform your child’s smile.  It can lead to flaring of teeth, an openbite, or even skeletal changes that can only be corrected with orthodontics.  Please discontinue the use of pacifiers as early as possible, or by age 2.

When can we start using fluoridated toothpaste?

According to guidelines established in 2014 by the ADA, fluoride toothpaste is appropriate to use for children of all ages.  However, it is very important that the correct amount of toothpaste is used.  For children under 3 years, it is recommended that only a small amount of toothpaste equivalent to a grain of rice is used.  For kids older than 3, its ok to use a pea sized amount and always encourage them to spit rather than swallow the toothpaste.

Does my child need to floss?

A toothbrush cannot clean between teeth that are touching.

How old should my child be when they first visit the dentist?

In accordance with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, we encourage parents to seek dental care for their children by their 1st birthday, or within 6mos of the eruption of their first tooth.

Fun Facts!

  • Alligator teeth are hollow and they grow about 3000 over their lifetime.

 

  • A triceratops probably had 800 teeth.

 

  • A chameleons tongue can travel 13 miles per hour.

 

  • Crocodiles can’t chew.
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