We’ve all been there. Our experience at the dentist when we were kids was much DIFFERENT than what it is now. We’re scared to go to the dentist based on our bad memories from childhood.
Keeping this in mind, our goal at Mint Dental – Family Dentistry of Emerson is to CHANGE the way you think about going to the dentist! Your kids will LOVE our office, and they won’t be afraid to take care of their teeth in the future!
Some important facts:
Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease that will not resolve without treatment.
48% of children have had caries in primary teeth.
Tooth decay is five times more common than asthma.
The good news is that with the preventive dental care provided by Drs. Nilay and Radhika Shah, such as Dental Sealants and Fluoride, tooth decay can be prevented to dramatically improve the oral health of many children.
First Dental Visit for a Child
When should you take your child to a Dentist for the first dental check-up? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit should occur when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.
What will be done at the first visit? 1) During the first dental checkup at Mint Dental, we check for decay and other conditions and show you how to properly clean your child’s teeth. Additionally, we may recommend oral care products for your family. 2) We will provide information regarding oral development, teething, pacifier or finger/thumb sucking habits and injury prevention; and plan for any needed treatment or the next check up.
The Growing Years: From Birth to Six
Are baby teeth really that important? – Primary teeth (“baby teeth”) are important in normal development – for chewing, speaking, and appearance. They also aid in forming a path that permanent adult teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.
Is fever normal for my child during teething? – NO, fever is not normal for a teething baby. If your infant has an unusually high or persistent fever while teething, call your physician.
Tip for moms: When your child’s teeth begin erupting, some babies may have sore or tender gums. Gently rubbing your child’s gums with a clean finger or a wet gauze pad can be soothing. You also can give the baby a clean teething ring to chew on, but never dipped in sugar or syrup.
When should I begin to use toothpaste for my child and how much do I use?
Begin cleaning the baby’s mouth during the first few days after birth. After every feeding, wipe the baby’s gums either with a clean, wet gauze pad or with a washcloth or towel. This removes plaque and residual food and helps children become accustomed to having their mouth checked.
When teeth begin to erupt, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste with a soft toothbrush. You should use only “pea-size” amount of toothpaste. You may also use your finger with little bit of toothpaste.
Tip for replacing toothbrushes: Check your child’s toothbrush often and replace it when it is worn. Bent or frayed bristles will not remove plaque effectively.
The Transition Years: From Six to 12
Some important information:
By the time children reach their adulthood, most chilren will progress from their 20 primary teeth to 32 permanent (adult) teeth.
At about age six, maybe earlier, children begin to shed (lose) their front teeth on top and bottom.
During the next six or so years, permanent teeth gradually will replace the primary teeth.
The first permanent molars usually erupt between ages five and six – called the “six-year molars”
Dental Visits:
The frequency of dental visits will partly depend on your child’s eating habits; how clean the teeth are kept; past treatment needs; whether your child drinks fluoridated water; and other factors that acan affect your child’s susceptibility to dental diseases.
Professional dental treatments by Drs. Nilay and Radhika Shah such as regular cleanings, fluoride treatments and the application of sealants, can save money and reduce the need for further dental treatment.
Tip for Parents: Set a good example for your child by brushing your own teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly.
Kids & Sports: Mouth Protectors
If your kids are participating in sporting and recreational activities, they’re susceptible to injuries. Therefore, Drs. Nilay and Radhika Shah can design a custom fitted Mouthguard, which is an important piece of protective face gear.
