FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
~
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ~
COMPREHENSIVE
PEDIATRIC DENTAL FAQ HUB
Parents need clear, clinical answers to make informed decisions about their child's health. We built this resource center to eliminate guesswork.
As board-certified pediatric specialists, Dr. Andrew Vo and Dr. Marcus Heffner rely on evidence-based medicine to guide our practice. We draw directly from our hospital-based residency training and the clinical guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Whether you are bringing in your infant for their first exam or managing a sudden dental injury, you will find the exact clinical protocols we use at Tiny Tooth Co. below.
FIRST VISITS FAQ
-
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry dictates that a child should establish a "dental home" within six months of the eruption of their first tooth, or by their first birthday. Early intervention allows us to monitor jaw development and prevent early childhood caries before they require restorative treatment.
-
We use a small, gentle spin brush and kid-friendly flavored toothpaste. Our clinical team polishes each tooth to leave a smooth surface that resists bacteria and stains. The process feels like a light tickle. For children with sensory sensitivities or autism, Dr. Andrew and Marcus adapts this routine to match the child's pacing, ensuring the experience remains predictable and safe.
-
We teach the 2-2-3 rule as a simple memory tool for daily hygiene. Children should brush 2 times a day, for 2 minutes each session, and you should replace their toothbrush every 3 months.
-
A child’s first dental visit is designed to help them feel comfortable while allowing the pediatric dentist to evaluate their oral health and dental development. At Tiny Tooth Co Pediatric Dentistry in Costa Mesa, our goal is to create a positive first experience that helps children feel safe and confident during dental visits.
During the appointment, Dr. Andrew Vo and Dr. Marcus Heffner, board-certified pediatric dentists, will gently examine your child’s teeth, gums, jaw growth, and bite to ensure everything is developing properly. They will also review oral hygiene recommendations, nutrition and dietary habits, and cavity prevention strategies that support healthy teeth.
The visit may include a gentle cleaning, the application of fluoride or hydroxyapatite varnish, and personalized guidance to help protect your child’s teeth from cavities.
Parents will also receive guidance on important topics such as brushing techniques, diet and nutrition, teething concerns, thumb sucking, and pacifier habits.
The goal of the first visit is to create a positive experience, build trust with your child, and ensure their smile is developing in a healthy and supportive environment.
-
Parents can help children feel more comfortable about their first dental visit by speaking positively about the dentist and explaining that the visit is meant to help keep their teeth healthy and strong.
Reading children’s books about visiting the dentist or practicing opening their mouth at home can help make the experience feel familiar. It is also helpful to avoid using words that may create fear, such as “pain,” “shot,” or “hurt.” Instead, focus on positive language about keeping teeth clean and healthy.
Many families also find it helpful to desensitize children before the visit by exploring the dental environment ahead of time. Parents can visit our website or Instagram page to show their child photos and videos of the office, the dental chairs, and the friendly team members they will meet. Seeing the environment beforehand often helps children feel more relaxed and confident.
When you arrive for your appointment, our team is happy to provide a short tour of the office so your child can become familiar with the space before their exam. This gentle introduction helps children feel comfortable with the sights and sounds of the dental office.
Pediatric dental offices are specifically designed to make children feel welcome and safe, and the first visit is typically gentle, positive, and educational. Our goal is to help your child build confidence while developing healthy habits that support a lifetime of strong smiles.
-
Early dental visits play a critical role in preventing cavities and establishing lifelong oral health habits. Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions in children, but it is also highly preventable.
By seeing a pediatric dentist early, families receive guidance on brushing, fluoride use, nutrition, and cavity prevention. Regular checkups allow the dentist to monitor development and address small concerns before they become larger problems.
Children who begin dental visits early are also more likely to develop positive feelings about dental care and maintain healthy smiles as they grow.
-
Dental X-rays are only taken when they are necessary to properly evaluate your child’s teeth and dental development. At Tiny Tooth Co Kids’ Dentistry, our goal is always to minimize radiation exposure while still ensuring we can detect concerns that may not be visible during a routine exam.
For very young children, X-rays are often not needed at the first visit unless there are signs of cavities, dental trauma, or developmental concerns. In many cases, we wait until the back molars begin touching, which typically occurs around 4 years of age, because this is when cavities between teeth can start to develop and may not be visible during a visual examination.
Once teeth begin contacting each other, dental X-rays help pediatric dentists detect cavities between the teeth, monitor tooth development, and evaluate the health of the surrounding bone and developing permanent teeth.
Our office uses modern low-radiation digital X-rays and strict safety protocols to ensure children receive the lowest possible radiation exposure while still providing accurate diagnostic information to protect their oral health.
TEETH & DEVELOPMENT FAQs
-
The Rule of 4 helps parents track normal tooth eruption patterns. At 7 months of age, children should have their first teeth. At 11 months (4 months later), they should have 4 teeth. At 15 months (4 months later), they should have 8 teeth. This pattern continues until 27 months, when they should have a complete set of 20 primary teeth.
-
Around age six or seven, the first permanent adult teeth erupt. These are known as the "first molars." They typically emerge behind the primary teeth without pushing any baby teeth out. Because these molars have deep grooves, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Marcus often recommends dental sealants immediately to protect them from decay.
-
Most babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months of age, although some children may start earlier or later. The first teeth to appear are usually the lower central incisors, which are the two bottom front teeth.
Teething can cause symptoms such as increased drooling, mild gum swelling, chewing on objects, irritability, and changes in sleep patterns. While teething can make babies uncomfortable, it should not cause high fever or severe illness. If your child experiences significant symptoms, it is best to consult a pediatric dentist or pediatrician.
-
Teething symptoms vary from child to child, but common signs include:
• Excessive drooling
• Chewing on toys, fingers, or objects
• Irritability or fussiness
• Swollen or tender gums
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Mild decrease in appetiteParents may also notice their baby rubbing their gums or pulling on their ears due to gum pressure. Teething discomfort usually comes and goes as each tooth begins to erupt.
-
There are several safe ways to help relieve teething discomfort.
Parents can gently massage their baby’s gums with a clean finger or offer a cool teething ring for the baby to chew on. A clean, chilled washcloth can also provide soothing pressure for sore gums.
If discomfort is significant, parents should consult their pediatrician or pediatric dentist before using medications. Many dentists recommend avoiding topical numbing gels because they may not be safe for infants.
-
Yes. Some children may not get their first tooth until 10–12 months of age, and this can still be completely normal.
Delayed eruption is often related to genetics and family patterns. If parents had late tooth eruption as children, their child may as well.
However, if a child has no teeth by 18 months, it may be helpful for a pediatric dentist to evaluate development and ensure teeth are forming normally.
-
Parents sometimes notice what looks like “shark teeth”, where permanent teeth begin erupting behind baby teeth before the baby teeth fall out.
This is common around age 6–7, especially with the lower front teeth. In many cases, the baby teeth will loosen and fall out naturally once the permanent teeth continue to grow in.
If the baby teeth remain very firm or the adult teeth are significantly crowded, a pediatric dentist may recommend removing the primary tooth to allow proper alignment.
-
Children usually begin losing baby teeth around age 6, starting with the lower front teeth. Tooth loss typically follows the same order that baby teeth originally erupted.
Most children will lose all of their primary teeth between ages 10 and 12, making room for their permanent teeth.
Regular dental visits help ensure that teeth are erupting properly and that there is adequate space for adult teeth.
-
eeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is very common in children. Studies estimate that 20–30% of children grind their teeth, especially during sleep. Many parents first notice it as a loud grinding noise coming from their child’s bedroom at night.
In most cases, teeth grinding is a normal part of childhood development and children eventually outgrow it as their jaws and teeth continue to develop.
Common reasons children grind their teeth include:
• Adjustment to newly erupting baby or permanent teeth
• Bite alignment changes as the mouth grows
• Sleep disturbances or airway issues
• Stress or excitement
• Habitual muscle activity during deep sleepMost children who grind their teeth do not experience pain or damage to their teeth. However, if grinding is frequent or severe, it can sometimes lead to tooth wear, jaw soreness, or headaches.
If parents notice persistent grinding, daytime jaw discomfort, or visible tooth wear, a pediatric dentist can evaluate the bite, tooth development, and airway to determine if any treatment is necessary.
In many cases, reassurance and monitoring are all that is needed as children grow out of the habit naturally.
-
Many parents worry when their child’s teeth appear yellow. In most cases, this is completely normal. Baby teeth often look whiter than adult teeth, so when permanent teeth begin erupting around age 6–7 they can appear slightly darker or more yellow.
This difference occurs because permanent teeth contain more dentin, which naturally gives them a warmer color. A pediatric dentist can evaluate whether the color change is normal development or if staining, enamel defects, or early cavities are present.
-
Yes, spaces between baby teeth are actually a healthy and normal part of development. These spaces allow room for the larger permanent teeth that will erupt later.
Children with spacing between their baby teeth often have a lower risk of crowding when their adult teeth come in. A pediatric dentist will monitor spacing and jaw growth during regular visits to ensure teeth are developing properly.
-
Permanent teeth often appear larger than baby teeth because they are designed to last for a lifetime. The jaws also grow significantly during childhood, creating more space for the adult teeth to align properly.
During the transition period, it is normal for adult teeth to look larger, slightly uneven, or spaced differently until all the surrounding teeth erupt and the bite stabilizes.
-
At Tiny Tooth Co Kids’ Dentistry in Costa Mesa, Dr. Andrew Vo and Dr. Marcus Heffner carefully monitor each child’s dental development during routine visits. This includes evaluating tooth eruption patterns, bite development, spacing, airway growth, and cavity risk.
By tracking development early, pediatric dentists can identify concerns such as crowding, delayed eruption, enamel defects, or bite problems before they become more serious.
Our goal is to help guide children through healthy dental development while supporting parents with personalized education and prevention strategies.
-
Children’s teeth and jaws develop rapidly throughout childhood. Regular visits with a pediatric dentist allow early detection of cavities, bite concerns, and developmental issues that may not be obvious at home.
Routine checkups also help children build comfort and confidence at the dentist while reinforcing healthy habits that protect their teeth for life.
SPECIAL HEALTHCARE NEEDS & AUTISM
-
A traditional dental cleaning can overwhelm a child with sensory processing disorder due to the bright lights, high-pitched noises, and unfamiliar physical contact. Dr. Marcus Heffner utilizes advanced behavioral management to mitigate these triggers. We replace standard fluorescent lighting with dimmed, ambient options and use quiet, specialized handpieces. Rather than rushing, we employ the "Tell-Show-Do" method—allowing your child to touch and interact with the instruments before they ever enter their mouth.
-
Forced compliance is never an option. Dr. Andrew and Dr. Marus built their clinical foundation advocating for children with developmental challenges. We utilize systematic desensitization. This means breaking the appointment down into micro-steps. If a child refuses to open their mouth, we focus entirely on establishing a safe environment, praising them simply for sitting in the chair. We adapt our clinical pacing in real-time to match the child's emotional state, building the trust necessary for them to voluntarily open their mouth during subsequent visits.
-
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is recognized by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) as one of the safest and most widely used forms of mild sedation for children. It is often used to help reduce anxiety and create a calmer dental experience, including for children with developmental differences or sensory sensitivities.
Nitrous oxide works quickly and is administered through a small nose mask that allows the child to breathe comfortably during treatment. The effects begin within minutes and wear off rapidly once the gas is discontinued. Because nitrous oxide is non-allergenic and eliminated from the body within minutes, children typically return to their normal state shortly after the appointment.
For children with complex medical histories or underlying health conditions, careful evaluation is important before any form of sedation is used. At Tiny Tooth Co, Dr. Andrew Vo and Dr. Marcus Heffner review each child’s medical history thoroughly and may coordinate with the child’s primary care pediatrician or medical specialists when necessary to ensure the safest possible approach.
Our goal is always to provide safe, individualized care while helping children feel comfortable and supported during their dental visits.
-
Diagnostic imaging can be very helpful in pediatric dentistry, but the safety and comfort of the child always come first. For some children—particularly those with sensory sensitivities, developmental differences, or special healthcare needs—holding a digital X-ray sensor inside the mouth can feel overwhelming.
At Tiny Tooth Co Pediatric Dentistry, we take a flexible and individualized approach. Many times, pediatric dentists can still identify major dental concerns through a careful clinical examination, even if X-rays cannot be taken during that visit. Our goal is never to force a child into a stressful situation.
When imaging is needed, we use rapid digital radiography, which captures images in fractions of a second to minimize discomfort and reduce the time a child needs to stay still. For children who cannot tolerate intraoral sensors, we also have extraoral panoramic imaging options, which allow us to obtain important diagnostic information from outside the mouth while the child sits comfortably. This approach removes the sensory trigger of having an object placed inside the mouth.
For children who require more comprehensive dental care and are unable to safely cooperate for imaging or treatment, general anesthesia may be recommended. This allows the pediatric dentist to complete necessary X-rays and dental treatment in a controlled, safe environment while the child is asleep and comfortable.
Our priority is always to provide safe, compassionate, and individualized dental care while ensuring we gather the information needed to protect your child’s oral health.
-
Oral health is not isolated from systemic health. Children with congenital heart defects, bleeding disorders, or compromised immune systems require exact medical protocols before any dental work begins. As a former Chief Resident at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Dr. Andrew specialized in multidisciplinary care. We proactively communicate with your child's pediatrician to review bloodwork, coordinate necessary antibiotic prophylaxis, and ensure our dental treatments align perfectly with their broader medical needs.
PEDIATRIC DENTAL EMERGENCIES & TRAUMA FAQs
-
Dental emergencies in children can happen during sports, playground activities, or everyday accidents. Acting quickly and staying calm can make a significant difference in protecting your child’s teeth and reducing pain.
Common pediatric dental emergencies include knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, severe toothaches, dental infections, and injuries to the lips, gums, or tongue. If your child experiences dental trauma, it is important to contact a pediatric dentist as soon as possible for guidance.
In many situations, early treatment can help save a tooth, prevent infection, and protect the developing permanent teeth underneath. If you are unsure whether the situation is urgent, it is always safest to contact your pediatric dentist for instructions.
-
A knocked-out tooth (called an avulsed tooth) is one of the most urgent dental injuries. The steps you take immediately can help determine whether the tooth can be saved.
If the tooth is a permanent tooth, gently pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface) and avoid touching the root. If possible, place the tooth back into the socket and have your child bite gently on gauze. If reinserting the tooth is not possible, place it in cold milk or saliva and seek dental care immediately. Ideally, a dentist should evaluate the tooth within 30–60 minutes.
If the tooth is a baby tooth, it should not be placed back into the socket because this could damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Instead, contact a pediatric dentist so the injury can be evaluated and monitored.
-
Chipped or broken teeth are very common dental injuries in children. While some fractures may be minor, others can expose deeper layers of the tooth and require prompt care.
If your child chips a tooth, rinse their mouth gently with warm water to keep the area clean. If there is swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of the face to reduce inflammation. If you can find the broken piece of the tooth, bring it with you to the dental appointment.
A pediatric dentist will examine the tooth and determine the best treatment. In some cases, a small bonding repair can restore the tooth. More severe fractures may require additional treatment to protect the nerve and preserve the tooth.
-
Toothaches are one of the most common reasons children need urgent dental care. Pain can be caused by cavities, infection, trauma, or food trapped between teeth.
If your child has a toothache, gently rinse their mouth with warm saltwater and check for any food particles that may be stuck between the teeth. Over-the-counter pain medication may help temporarily, but persistent pain should always be evaluated by a pediatric dentist.
Signs that a toothache may require urgent attention include swelling of the face or gums, fever, difficulty chewing, or pain that wakes your child at night. Early evaluation can prevent infections from worsening and protect your child’s oral health.
-
Facial swelling or a dental abscess can indicate a serious infection that requires prompt attention. A dental abscess occurs when bacteria infect the tooth or surrounding tissues, leading to swelling, pain, and sometimes fever.
If you notice swelling in your child’s face, gums, or jaw, contact a pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Warm saltwater rinses may help temporarily soothe the area, but professional treatment is usually necessary to eliminate the infection.
In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed, but treating the underlying dental problem is essential to prevent the infection from returning.
-
Most dental emergencies can be treated by a pediatric dentist. However, certain situations may require immediate medical attention.
Parents should seek emergency medical care if a child experiences uncontrolled bleeding, significant facial swelling affecting breathing, trauma involving possible jaw fractures, or head injuries associated with dental trauma.
If you are ever unsure whether the injury is medical or dental in nature, it is always safest to seek immediate evaluation.
Our pediatric dentists are always accessible 24/7. For patients of record, please call/text us at 949-335-7303 if this occurs prior to taking your child to the ER.
-
While accidents can still happen, many dental injuries can be prevented with simple precautions.
Encouraging children to wear mouthguards during sports can significantly reduce the risk of dental trauma. Childproofing the home, supervising young children during play, and maintaining regular dental visits also help prevent many dental emergencies.
Routine checkups with a pediatric dentist allow early detection of cavities, developmental issues, and other concerns that could lead to pain or emergencies if left untreated.
-
If your child experiences a dental emergency in the Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, or Irvine area, please call our office immediately. We prioritize urgent cases to provide fast pain relief and expert clinical intervention when your family needs it most. Our Costa Mesa clinic on Irvine Ave is fully equipped to handle severe pediatric dental trauma and complex extractions with compassion and clinical precision.
-
Unlike permanent teeth, we do not re-implant knocked-out primary (baby) teeth. Forcing a baby tooth back into the socket can severely damage the developing adult tooth underneath. Instead, have your child bite down on clean gauze to control the bleeding. Apply a cold compress to the cheek to minimize swelling, and contact us for an evaluation.
-
Do not ignore a throbbing toothache accompanied by facial swelling. This often indicates an acute bacterial infection or dental abscess. Clean the area thoroughly and use dental floss to dislodge any impacted food around the painful tooth. Administer over-the-counter children's ibuprofen to manage inflammation. Never apply aspirin or topical pain gels directly to the gums. This will cause severe chemical burns to the tissue. Facial swelling requires immediate clinical intervention.
[H3] At what point does facial swelling from a pediatric dental infection require a visit to the hospital emergency room?
While we are equipped to handle severe dental trauma, systemic medical emergencies take precedence. Go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room if your child experiences:
Swelling that compromises their airway, making it difficult to swallow or breathe.
Uncontrolled facial bleeding that does not stop with pressure.
Severe trauma to the head, neck, or jaw.
Call us today at 949-335-7303 to book your child's appointment, or schedule a visit online.
PARENTAL PARANOIA & CLINICAL EDGE CASES
-
This is a very common condition known as an ectopic eruption, often called "shark teeth." Normally, an erupting adult tooth dissolves the root of the baby tooth above it, causing it to fall out. Sometimes, the adult tooth takes a different path and erupts directly behind it.
Do not panic. In many cases, the baby tooth will still loosen and fall out on its own. If the baby tooth remains firmly in place for several weeks while the adult tooth continues to grow, our clinical team will evaluate it. We may perform a simple, gentle extraction to clear the path and allow the permanent tooth to move into its proper alignment.
-
Kids play hard, and accidents happen. A gray, brown, or purple discoloration after a fall indicates that the tiny blood vessels inside the tooth burst during the impact. It is essentially a dental bruise.
Our clinical approach is rooted in advanced trauma protocols. We do not immediately extract a primary tooth simply because it changes color. Dr. Andrew and Dr. Marcus will take a low-radiation digital X-ray to examine the root and the developing adult tooth underneath. We then monitor the tooth closely for clinical warning signs of nerve death or infection, such as an abscess bump on the gums.
-
We only use the highest quality, biocompatible materials to restore your child's bite and smile. We do not use traditional silver amalgam fillings, which means there is zero metal or mercury involved in our resin fillings which is BPA free.
If your child experiences a metallic taste, it is almost always a trace amount of blood. Mild gum inflammation and minor bleeding are normal for the first few days following clinical restorative work. Bad breath can occur if plaque accumulates around the healing tissue. Resume normal brushing and flossing immediately, as plaque accumulation delays tissue healing. If the taste or smell persists beyond 48 hours, contact our office.
-
Yes. Stopping cavities before they start is our primary goal. Chalky white spots at the gumline are the very first clinical sign of demineralization. This occurs when plaque and acid sit on the enamel, stripping away vital minerals before a physical cavity (hole) forms.
The good news is that we can reverse this process. We treat these early lesions non-invasively. By applying professional-grade fluoride varnish and improving home hygiene, we can remineralize the enamel and halt decay without ever needing a drill.
-
Baby molars endure immense chewing forces and must remain in your child's mouth until they are 10 to 12 years old. When a baby molar suffers from deep, extensive decay, the remaining tooth structure becomes fragile.
A large white composite filling cannot withstand those chewing forces over several years. It will likely fracture, leak, or fail, leading to recurrent decay and severe pain. We use biocompatible pediatric crowns to provide full, durable coverage. This seals the tooth completely, protects the nerve, and ensures the tooth survives until it falls out naturally.
HYPER-LOCAL & ADVANCED SAFETY STANDARDS
-
At Tiny Tooth Co., we utilize the most advanced sterilization technology available to modern dentistry. Unlike standard dental sterilizers, our Costa Mesa clinic operates Class B "Pre-Vacuum" autoclaves. These hospital-grade machines use a vacuum pump to remove all air from the chamber. This ensures high-pressure steam penetrates every micro-surface of our clinical instruments, resulting in the highest possible level of microbial destruction. We verify this equipment weekly through independent laboratory testing.
-
We strictly enforce the "ALARA" principle: As Low As Reasonably Achievable. Our office utilizes 100% digital X-ray technology. This advanced system reduces your child's radiation exposure by up to 80% to 90% compared to traditional film X-rays. To provide an additional, uncompromising layer of protection, we require lead-lined aprons with thyroid collars for every single scan we perform.
-
Yes. Located conveniently on Irvine Ave, Tiny Tooth Co. serves families across Dover Shores, Eastside Costa Mesa, Westside Costa Mesa, and Newport Heights. Our clinic operates under the medical leadership of Board Certified pediatric specialists Dr. Andrew Vo and Dr. Marcus Heffner. Restricted oral tissues severely impact an infant's feeding and sleep quality. We provide expert clinical evaluation and minimally invasive treatment for tongue and lip ties to optimize airway function and oral mobility.
-
The environment your child breathes in is just as important as the clinical tools we use. Our treatment areas are equipped with medical-grade HEPA-13 air purifiers. These high-capacity systems capture 99.97% of airborne particles. By continuously filtering dust, allergens, bacteria, and viral aerosols out of the environment, we ensure the air remains completely safe for children with asthma or severe seasonal sensitivities.
-
Tiny Tooth Co. is committed to making top-tier pediatric dentistry accessible for families across Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. For our uninsured patients, our front office team can assist you with our in-house Smile Squad Membership. If your child requires extensive restorative treatment, we also provide financing options and offer 20% off dental treatments for our members.