Ask the Expert: Pediatric Dentist Ruby Gelman

[Cafe Becky]

CafeMom is thrilled to welcome pediatric dentist Dr. Ruby Gelman to the Kids' Health Center to answer YOUR questions!

Starting Monday July 19, Dr. Gelman will be visiting the group all week long to address your questions about your kids' dental health.

Dr. Gelman is a dentist in private practice in New  York City. She was chosen by Nickelodeon Parents Picks as the best pediatric dentist in New York City for 2009.

Please post your questions as replies to this post. Dr. Gelman will post her answers here as well.

Welcome and thank you for joining us, Ruby Gelman!

[aubergine]

Hi Dr. Gelman,

My question is: my son is almost 1.5 and hasn't been to the dentist yet. He has nearly all of his teeth. Is now the right time to take him, or should I wait till more teeth are in?

Thank you!

[ria7]

Is a sonicare (or other electric toothbrush) really better than a regular manual toothbrush. Should kids have an electric one as well as adults?

[ria7]

Are sealants a must have and worth the money?

[aubergine]

Do you have a recommendation for a natural or organic toddler toothpaste?

[jridgill]

 Is it really necessary for them to get a xray at every dental visit? My insurance only covers 1 a year.

[ConnorsMom06]

I have a 4 yo and a 2 yo, both have regular 6 month checkups with our family dentist.  My question is, how do I make flossing fun?

[magenl]

Hi! My daughter is two years old. Im trying to get her to drink more water but it seems the only way I can get her to drink it is if I flavor the water with like crystal lights powder things. I was wondering if thats ok for her teeth, because I noticed the other day that her teeth, mouth and tounge turned the color of the water(red). So, I wasnt sure if thats going to be bad for her teeth or she'll just have a little color. Thanks!

[joyce6489]

My daughter will be 3 on July 19th and she has never seen a dentist. How bad is this? What gets done the first time around? 

[jessicasmom1]

My daughter is 10 years old has 6 more baby teeth to come out.. her dentist was wanting to pull these teeth and apply bands for the braces she is needing.. I figured to let them fall out on their own. Why would he want signifigance would there be in pulling them?

[gottoluvem]

my boys are almost 4 and 5 and i have not ever taken them to the dentist (I know bad bad)

i am worried that when i do take them,which will be within the month,that the older one will throw up on the dentist cause he has a very bad gag reflex and that the younger one will just cry because he is really shy.

i will be taking them to a pediatric dentist so i am sure they know what they are doing,but i was wondering what types of things will they do for these kinds of problems?