Pediatric Dentistry FAQ
When Should My Child
First Visit The Dentist?
As early as six months, when the
baby's first tooth appears. A first tooth's appearance is an excellent
time to schedule a well-baby dental evaluation. At that time, we'll
diagnose and help prevent any future oral disorders. We can also answer
any questions you have about caring for your child's teeth.
What Will Happen At The First Visit?
After making your child feel
comfortable, we will examine their mouth. The examination will include
the teeth, gums, tongue, lips and roof of the mouth. Depending upon your
child's age, number of teeth present and ability to cooperate, we may
order a few x-rays to detect cavities if decay is suspected. X-rays are
also helpful to determine normal development of permanent teeth. We may
also clean your child's teeth and apply fluoride.
How Should I Prepare My Child for the First
Visit?
Your attitude can convey the message
that dental visits are pleasant adventures. Emphasize the attention that
your child will get while in the chair. Try to schedule the appointment
for the time of day when your child is most rested and cooperative. To
prepare your child, read a story together about a trip to the dentist.
Or, play dentist and take turns looking into each other's mouth with a
flashlight.
How Can I keep My Child's Teeth Healthy?
It is important to begin a daily oral
care routine for your child before the first tooth appears. After each
feeding, wipe your child's gums with a warm, wet cloth or a small gauze
pad to remove excess food and bacteria. As soon as the first teeth
appear, brush them with a small, soft-bristled brush moistened with warm
water.
When teeth begin to touch each other,
add daily flossing to the routine. With adult supervision, most children
are able to brush their own teeth by the age of four, however, we
recommend assisting your child at least once a day to ensure a thorough
job. You should continue to monitor their oral care throughout
childhood. Remember that with your own healthy oral care habits, you can
be an important role model for your child.
What Else Do I Need to Know About Brushing?
Have your child brush with a pea-sized
dot of fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride will help strengthen the teeth
against decay. Your child will go through toothbrushes quickly, so check
the brush often and replace it when it is worn out. Have the child hold
the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush gently back and forth with
short strokes. Make sure to brush the outside, inside and chewing
surfaces of each tooth. Teach your child to finish by brushing the
tongue to freshen breath and remove bacteria.
Why Are Primary (Baby) Teeth Important?
Primary teeth are very important to
your child's development for a number of reasons. They encourage the
development of the jaw bone and they reserve the space required for the
permanent teeth that will follow. They also enable your child to chew
solid food and assist in speech development. Moreover, they contribute
to your child's positive feelings about his or her appearance and help
build confidence.
How Can I Protect My Child's Primary (Baby)
Teeth?
Baby bottle tooth decay is the leading
cause of decay and tooth loss in very young children. This condition
usually occurs when a baby is allowed to nurse from a bottle of milk,
formula or fruit juice continuously at nap time or bedtime. You can help
prevent it by always cleaning your infant's moth and teeth after
nursing, and by giving your infant only water in a bottle or a pacifier
at bedtime. You will also safeguard the health of your baby's teeth by
weaning your child from the bottle at one year of age.
What Else Can I Do To Safeguard My Child's
Smile?
A balanced diet is essential for a
child's development. Teeth, bones and soft tissue of the mouth will
benefit from a regular variety of healthy foods. Your child's diet
should include foods from all the five major food groups:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Breads, cereals and grains
- Milk, cheese and yogurt
- Meat, poultry and fish and their
alternatives, such as beans, eggs and nuts.
Discourage sugary and starchy
snacks-provide bite-sized fresh vegetables instead.
What If My Child Damages Or Knocks Out A
Tooth?
An active child may chip or loose a
tooth completely. Call us as soon as possible after the accident occurs.
If the tooth is chipped, take the broken piece with you as we may be
able to bond the piece back onto the tooth. If a healthy permanent tooth
is completely knocked out, keep the tooth moist in milk or water and get
to the dentist immediately. If you do so within the first hour, in most
cases the tooth can be replanted successfully. Do not wrap the tooth in
tissue or gauze or let it dry.
If the tooth is a primary (baby)
tooth, we may insert a space maintainer to keep the space open for the
permanent tooth.
Is There Other Prevention To Consider As The
Child Gets Older?
At the appearance of your child's
first permanent molars usually about age six, you should consider
sealants to protect you child's back teeth to help "seal out" decay. In
some cases, we might also recommend applying sealants to primary teeth
as well. We will apply a thin plastic coating to the chewing surfaces of
the back teeth. If your local water supply does not contain fluoride, we
usually recommend a fluoride mouth rinse or other sources of extra
fluoride.
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