Pediatric Dentistry
We will recommend ways your little ones can learn good oral health at an early age. Parents are encouraged to promote brushing at home; give your infant a toothbrush of his or her own and encourage her to brush with you. (you’ll find toothbrushes with chunky, short handles that are easy for her to grip).
Most children don’t have the dexterity necessary to thoroughly clean their own teeth until they’re about six or seven, so you’ll have to do that part of the job for your child. Try different tactics to make brushing fun: flavored toothpaste, a toothbrush with a favorite character on it, or singing songs about brushing. The primary goal is to instill healthy oral habits at an early age to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy, cavity-free.
Along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend you schedule your child’s first visit within his/her first birthday. Children should visit the dentist every six months afterwards for regular checkups and routine teeth cleaning.
It is very important to make the first visit as positive and enjoyable for the child and parent as possible. We want your child to enjoy getting to know our doctors and staff and be comfortable at all times. After all, we are shaping the relationship for a lifetime of good oral health.
We understand that your family has a busy schedule, so when you’re preparing for a dental visit, please remember that an appointment can last between 20 to 40 minutes.
During your child’s first visit, we will:
- Review dental and medical history forms
- Take X-rays of their teeth and mouth
- Clean and polish your child’s teeth, checking teeth and gums for any cavities or early signs of tooth decay or gingivitis
After the checkup and teeth cleaning are complete, the doctor will meet with you and your child to discuss X-rays, help create an individual treatment plan, and answer any questions that you may have.
What to bring to your child’s first visit:
- Your completed patient information form
- Your insurance card
Dental Care For Your Baby
BABY’S FIRST TEETH
Caring for your baby’s oral health begins before the first tooth erupt. The AAPD notes that research has shown that babies can “catch” cavities from their caregivers. In 71 percent of the cases, the mother is the source. Research indicates that the cavity-causing bacteria known as Streptococcus mutans can be transmitted from mothers to infants even before teeth erupt. The better the mother’s oral health, the less the chance the baby will have problems.
Caring For Gums
You can use a soft, moist washcloth or a piece of gauze to gently wipe down your baby’s gums. This should be done after each feeding or at least twice daily to cleanse the mouth of bacteria and present them from clinging to her gums. This bacteria can damage your infant’s teeth as they come in so it is important to clean the gums.
Brushing Baby’s Teeth
When the first baby teeth start to pop up, you can graduate to a toothbrush. Look for toothbrushes with a soft brush, small head, and a large handle. At first, you only need to wet the toothbrush and gradually add in a non-fluoride toothpaste at least in the first 2 years of you’r infant’s life. Around the third year, you can increase to about a pea sized amount o fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush well.
At a young age, dexterity in young children are not formed enough to allow them to brush by themselves. You should help your child brush until he/she can hold the toothbrush, rinse, and spit without assistance. Usually this happens around 6 years of age.
Keep on the lookout for any signs of baby tooth decay — brown or white spots or pits on the teeth. If you or your pediatrician notices any problems, take your child to a pediatric dentist for an exam.
First Dentist Visit
Even if there isn’t a problem, you should bring your child to the dentist by age 1. We will give you advice about baby tooth care, teething, fluoride, thumb sucking and any other questions you might have.
When does one plus one equal zero? ONE baby tooth + ONE pediatric dental visit = ZERO cavities. First dental visits are mostly educational. The AAPD recommends that every child visit the dentist by the child’s first birthday. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend a child visit the dentist by age one as well. This “well baby check” for the teeth can establish a dental home and helps ensure that parents learn the tools necessary to help children remain cavity-free.
Creating Good Dental Practice
Children love watching parents do grown up things. They will enjoy watching you brush your teeth at least twice daily. This is a great opportunity to show them how to hold the toothbrush and brush correctly. Setting a good example for your child early on will be easier for you in the long run.