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Children's Dentistry

The first “regular” dental visit should be between 2 1/2 to 3 years of age. The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. We may ask the parent to sit in the dental chair and hold their child during the examination. The parent may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.

We will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken (to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child’s permanent teeth under the gums). We may clean your child’s teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most important of all, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth. We want this first visit to be a positive experience!

 

What Will Happen During The First Visit With Your Dentist?

  • Examination of your child's mouth, teeth, and gums.
  • Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking
  • Check to see if your child need fluoride
  • Check to see if your child is receiving adequate nutrition for proper development of permanent teeth.
  • Teach you about cleaning your child's teeth and gums.
  • Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.

 

What About Preventive Care?

At our office, we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest in sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Sealants are preventative agents bonded to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent decay from entering back teeth. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health.

 

Cavity Prevention

Most of the time cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing. Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly can help.

Tips For Cavity Prevention

  • Use a 'pea sized' amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
  • Limit frequency of meals and snacks.
  • Encourage brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
  • Watch what you drink.
  • Avoid sticky foods.
  • Make treats part of meals.
  • Choose nutritious snacks.

The first baby teeth that come into the mouth are the two bottom front teeth. You will notice this when your baby is about six to eight months old. Next to follow will be the four upper front teeth and the remainder of your baby’s teeth will appear periodically. They will usually appear in pairs along the sides of the jaw until the child is about 2-1/2 years old.

At around 2-1/2 years old, your child should have all 20 teeth. Between the ages of five and six, the first permanent teeth will begin to erupt. Some of the permanent teeth replace baby teeth and some don’t. Don’t worry if some teeth are a few months early or late. All children are different.

 

Some First Visit Tips

  • Take your child with to your check up. If they see how much fun you're having they will be more willing to cooperate.
  • Read books with them about going to the dentist.
  • Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit.
  • Speak positively about your own dental experiences. 
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