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Learn more about your
child's tooth
development and what you can do as a parent to
ensure your child will grow up with a healthy smile.
Here are answers to some of parents' most commonly asked
questions. |
When Should My child First Visit The Dentist?
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As early as one year. Your child's first
birthday is an excellent time to seek a well-baby
dental evaluation, to diagnose and prevent any
future oral disorders. The age of one year is also a
good time to begin weaning your child from the bottle. |
What Will Happen At The First Visit?
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The dentist or dental hygienist
will examine your child's mouth. The examination will
include the teeth, gums, tongue, lips and roof of the
mouth. Depending upon the child's age, number of teeth
present and ability to cooperate, the dentist may order
a few
cavity detecting X-rays, if decay is suspected.
X-rays are also helpful in determining that the
permanent teeth are developing normally. Your child
may also have his or her teeth cleaned. |
How Can I Prepare My Child?
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Make the first visit something for the
child to look forward to. Morning appointments are
usually when the child is most rested and cooperative.
Do not attempt to bribe your child. Today, dentistry for
children is a fun and positively anticipated experience.
You might read your child a story about a trip to the
dentist. Or you can play "dentist" with the child by
taking turns looking into each other's mouths with a
flashlight. |
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If your child asks a question you feel
uncomfortable answering, you may respond, "I don't
know. Let's ask the dentist." This keeps you from
unnecessarily scaring the child; it also allows your
child an active role in the appointment. |
How Can I Help My Child Keep A Healthy Smile For A
Lifetime?
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There are a number of ways.
- As a parent, practice good
oral hygiene, yourself.
- Before your child's teeth start
to appear in the mouth, begin to massage the
teeth and gums with your finger or a warm, wet
washcloth or a small gauze pad.
- When the first baby teeth appear,
floss and brush your child's teeth until he
is old enough to do this himself. (It's easiest to
have the child sit on your lap.)
- Feed your child a balanced
diet and offer healthy snacks. (Keep
bite-sized fresh vegetables at eye level in your
refrigerator.)
- Ask your dentist about
fluoride and
protective sealants.
- If your child, adolescent or
teenager is active in contact sports, ask your
dentist about a
protective mouth guard and
insist your child wear it.
- Make sure your child has
regular dental care throughout his development.
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Are There Other Concerns? |
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Yes. Baby bottle tooth decay is
the leading cause of decay and tooth loss in very young
children. To avoid this, do not put your baby to sleep
with a bottle that contains any sticky or sugary
substance. (These include milk, fruit juice, formula or
other sweetened beverages.) If the child must be put to
sleep with a bottle, use plain water. |
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Another common occurrence with active
children is trauma that may result from accidents, such
as jumping off a diving board, falling over the
handlebars of a bicycle, hitting a dashboard or tripping
and falling. Bathtubs and coffee tables are also common
trouble spots for young children's teeth. Teeth that
sustain such injuries should be treated immediately
by the dentist. In many cases further injury or
tooth loss can be prevented with prompt care. |
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Sometimes very active children will have
a healthy tooth completely knocked out. If this happens
to a permanent tooth, save the tooth and any
fragments or gum tissue. Soak the tooth in milk or
water until help can be found. If no milk or water
is available, the life of the knocked-out tooth may be
prolonged by keeping it moist in saliva by
holding it under the tongue, or between the cheek and
gum. In many cases the tooth can be re-implanted
successfully, if help is obtained within the first
hour. |
Baby Teeth Will Be Lost. Why Should They Be Fixed?
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There are many reasons. First, the
baby (primary) teeth provide a foundation and
guidance for the permanent (secondary) teeth. If
a child has teeth that are improperly spaced or have
extensive decay, crowding, shifting or poor oral habits,
early corrective treatment may be necessary to prevent
more extensive treatment (including orthodontia-braces)
in the future. |
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Early tooth development also affects a
child's ability to eat, chew, form speech patterns and
swallow. This is especially important for your child's
sense of social confidence and self-esteem. If baby
teeth are lost early, cosmetic appliances and space
maintainers are available to replace them, or to provide
space for the permanent teeth to come through. |
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At What Age Will My Child's
Teeth Appear? |
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Parents often ask this. Following is a
chart with approximates ages. Be aware that these are
only averages, and that your child's tooth
development may vary somewhat. |
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When Baby Teeth Appear |
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When Permanent Teeth Appear |
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If you have any further questions or
concerns, please ask. Good dental health starts
early. We are delighted to be of assistance, and wish
your child a healthy smile for a lifetime. |
