Any questions?
listed below are some of the most popular questions that ADHA receives from children.

If you have a question that isn't answered, check out our main FAQ section. If you still can't find an answer, please send an email to kidstuff@adha.net and we will do our best to answer them. Your question may even be placed on our Web site!

At what age do children start to lose their baby teeth? And how long does it take until all adult teeth are in place?

Children can start losing their baby teeth anywhere from about the age of 5 to about 7. Usually the two front teeth on the bottom are the first teeth to be replaced. Your second molars typically appear by age 12 to 13. Some people have third molars which are sometimes called "wisdom teeth" these can appear after age 16.


Should children use a different toothbrush than adults?

Children should use smaller brushes with shorter brushing planes in proportion to the size of their mouths. Most children use brushes that are too big to be easily maneuvered into small spaces in their mouth. By the way, in addition to changing brush every three months or when the bristles appear worn, it's a good idea to toss those brushes after colds or sore throats!


Should children use the same toothpaste as adults?

All that you need from your toothpaste is the fluoride that helps strengthen your teeth and protects them from cavities. The time you should spend brushing and your technique are more important, so go with the flavor you prefer. Remember only a pea-sized drop of paste on your brush is all that is necessary.


Why is candy and other sugary foods bad for teeth?

Sugar on the tooth surface is changed to acid within 5 minutes time. The acid acts to dissolve the tooth surface. When this happens often enough, the tooth surface breaks down. At first you see white spots (known as areas of demineralization), then dental decay occurs.


How many times each day should teeth be brushed? And When?

The two really important times to brush your teeth are in the morning after breakfast and at night before you go to bed. Any extra times you brush during the day is great particularly after eating sticky and sugary foods.