Children
Child's First Dental Visit:
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. The more you and your child know about the first visit the better you will feel.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that kids visit their dentists by their first birthday. It is important that your child's newly-erupted teeth (erupting between 6 and 12 months of age for most toddlers) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning. Getting to know your teeth is fun!
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.
Examinations And Cleaning:
In order to prevent cavities and other dental problems a check-up is recommended every six months. Your pediatric dentist can tell you when and how often your children should visit based on their personal oral health.
Fluoride Treatments:
Your pediatric dentist may prescribe Flouride supplements if your child is not getting enough through drinking water. If your child primarily drinks bottled water without fluoride this may be necessary.
Tooth Coloured Fillings:
Attractive tooth coloured fillings are an option in many cases. Coloured fillings use esthetic materials such as Glass inomer and composite filling. They look more natural than other filling materials and are compatible with dental sealants. Take care of a tooth-coloured filling the same way you take care of a silver filling: Brush, floss, and visit your dentist. Talk to your pediatric dentist, together you will decide what type of filling is best for your child in each situation.
Sealants:
Dental sealants protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth where cavities occur most often for children. Sealants, composed of clear or shaded plastic, are painted onto the tiny grooves in the molars. By “sealing out” food and plaque, sealants reduce the risk of tooth decay. Sealants can be quickly and painlessly applied to any permanent teeth that are likely to develop decay on the biting surface.