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A child's first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable. Children are not born with a natural fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. Our office makes a special effort to use pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe each treatment. We want you and your child to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office.
Our Dental Director, Dr. Ken Markel, has over 38 years of experience in pediatric dentistry, and all our Dentistry For Children Doctors - East and West Side Office - have 2-3 years of additional specialized dental training to keep children’s dental needs in mind. We can all relate to fears of seeing a dentist. But imagine a dental exam from your child’s perspective. We believe that tiny mouths deserve tiny tools and gentle treatment.
We offer : x-rays, teeth cleanings, dental surgeries if necessary – all on a child’s level. We can alert you to ways to help your child avoid the tooth decay that can lead to uncomfortable cavities. We continue to treat children’s teeth as they mature through their teen years.
One of the first questions most parents have when it comes to bringing their child to a pediatric dentist, does it cost more? Bringing your child to a pediatric dentist typically does not cost you any more money than if you brought them to a general dentist. In fact, you will most likely save money (have a look at our membership plan options!).
Your child’s first dental visit is not nearly as overwhelming as it may seem now. This is especially true when you opt for a Dentistry For Children dentist. Most people find that they love taking their children to a pediatric dentist because they get more specialized care and the experience that is needed when working with youngsters.
By bringing your child to Dentistry For Children, you will help get your child off to a great start and help provide them with oral health habits and benefits that last a lifetime. Ultimately, this will save money by having less cavities and requiring less dental work in both the short and long-term.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics, both recommend that the first dental visit should take place by the time your child is one year old, once their first tooth has erupted, or whichever one takes place first. Prevention is the first line of defense when it comes to a healthy mouth. Taking your child this young to the dentist is the most effective way to ensure their oral health is off to a great start.
WHEN NEW TEETH ARRIVE
Your child's first primary, or “baby,” teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of six to 12 months, and will continue to erupt until about age three. During this time, your child's gums may feel tender and sore. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend that you soothe the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. You may also choose to make use of a teething ring.
Your child's primary teeth are shed at various times throughout childhood. Permanent teeth begin erupting at age six, and continue until age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth (32, teeth including wisdom teeth).
ADOPTING HEALTHY ORAL HYGIENE HABITS
As your child's teeth erupt, be sure to examine them every two weeks, looking for lines and discoloration that may be caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes his or her teeth after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing two times a day for optimal oral hygiene.
Brushing can be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a baby's tooth erupts, parents should brush the tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For children younger than two, do not use fluoride toothpaste unless advised to do so by your dentist or other healthcare professional. We suggest reviewing proper tooth brushing procedures with your child.
Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and your dentist will discuss with you the right time to start flossing your child's teeth. If you notice signs of decay, contact your dentist immediately.
PREVENTING TOOTH DECAY WITH REGULAR CHECKUPS
Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into an acid, which can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents do not practice regular, good oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away.
Your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they “seal” the deep grooves in your child's teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your child's regular checkups.