“Where rising stars grow shining smiles”
Congratulations on the arrival of your little one! Having a baby is an exciting time as there are so many things to know and do, especially if you are a first-time parent. We know keeping them happy while you try to get some sleep is at the top of the list! It is not surprising that you probably haven’t even thought of what to do when your baby gets his / her first tooth. At the first dental visit, we will look at your child’s early oral health and make recommendations about the best way to care for his / her teeth. The earlier that the issues are caught, the easier to resolve and to ensure everything is progressing appropriately. We have seen the problems that can arise from delaying treatment, and we take pride in helping families prevent unnecessary ailments.
When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?
“First visit by first birthday” is the general rule. To prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist (specialists in dentistry for children and teens) when the first tooth appears, usually between 6 and 12 months of age, certainly no later than his / her first birthday.
How can I help my child through the teething stage?
Sore gums when teeth erupt are part of the normal eruption process. The discomfort is eased for some children by use of a teething biscuit, a piece of a toast or a frozen teething ring. Your pharmacy should also have medications that can be rubbed on the gums to reduce the discomfort.
How should I clean my baby’s teeth?
A toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head, especially one designed for infants, is the best choice for infants. Brushing at least once a day, at bedtime, will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay.
When should my child start using toothpaste?
Do not use fluoridated toothpaste until 3 years of age. Earlier than that, clean your child’s teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. After age 3, parents should supervise brushing.Use no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and make sure children do not swallow excess toothpaste.
Can thumb sucking be harmful for my child’s teeth?
Thumb and Pacifier sucking habits that go on for a long period of time can create crowded, crooked teeth or bite problems. If they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers when the permanent teeth arrive, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist. Most children stop these habits on their own.
If my child gets a cavity in a baby tooth, should it still be filled?
Primary or “Baby” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help to children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path those permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Some of them are necessary until a child is 12 years old or longer. Pain, infection of the gums and jaws, impairment of general health and premature loss of teeth are just a few of the problems that can happen when baby teeth are neglected. Also, because tooth decay is really an infection and will spread, decay on baby teeth can cause decay on permanent teeth. Proper care of baby teeth is instrumental in enhancing the health of your child.
How do dental sealants work and why are they so important?
Dental Sealants are an effective way to prevent cavities especially for those children with a history of tooth decay. Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This prevents food particles from getting caught in the teeth causing cavities. The pediatric dentist applies the invisible protector by drying and conditioning the teeth painting on the sealant and then light curing it to harden. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.
What is the role of dental fluoride in pediatric dentistry?
Along with dental sealants, dental fluoride treatment is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay and maintain excellent dental health in children. Fluoride treatments are both safe and effective in decreasing the cavity prevalence in children by 95% specifically when combined with dental sealants. Making the tooth more impervious to acid attacks caused by sugars and plaque bacteria in the mouth, fluoride acts as a shield for the outer enamel layer of the teeth and actually has the ability to reverse the early signs of a dental decay. Ask your pediatric dentist about professional fluoride treatment for your child.
How safe are dental x – rays? Why are they so important?
There is very little risk in dental x – rays. You actually get more radiation by getting out in the sun for 10 minutes than you get with a digital radiograph. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and digital radiography are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation. Without x – rays the dentists may not be able to see cavities that are forming between a child’s teeth. With an x-ray, the dentists can detect a cavity early on and treat it with a small filling. Without an x-ray the dentists will not be able to detect the cavity until it is so large that it may require a crown to be placed.
What should I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?
The most important thing to do is to remain calm. Then find the tooth, gently place it in a glass of saline solution or milk to keep it moist until you get to the dentist’s office. To avoid damaging the root, hold the tooth only by the crown. Thoroughly examine your child’s mouth for fragments of the tooth if it’s broken, and immediately take your child and the glass to the pediatric dentist.
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