Children are special to us!
TIPS FOR A POSITIVE DENTAL VISIT
- Schedule the first visit after child's 1st birthday.
- Don't tell your child scary stories about dental visits.
- Schedule a morning appointment when children tend to be rested and cooperative.
- Don't relay any anxiety that you might feel about dental visits.
- Don't bribe your child to go to the dentist.
- Never use the visit as a punishment or threat!
- Try to make your child's dental visit an enjoyable outing.
By the time a baby is born it usually has 20 primary teeth that have formed inside the gums. The front two upper and lower teeth typically begin to appear when the child is between the ages of 6 and 12 months old. Most children have a set of 20 primary teeth by the time they are age 3.
Tooth decay can occur as soon as the teeth appear in the baby's mouth. Keeping the teeth clean and not allowing milk and sugary juices to remain on teeth is very important. This is an easy routine to follow. Use a clean wet cloth and wipe the teeth in the morning and at bedtime. If you have a small toddler toothbrush that is fine as well. Be sure not to let your child go to sleep at night with a bottle of milk or juice. If they need it to go to sleep fill it with water. Allowing decay in primary teeth may damage the hidden permanent teeth that are forming inside the gums.
WHAT CAUSES DECAY?
Decay is caused by plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. When sugar and starch from food and drinks combine with plaque, an acid is produced that attacks tooth enamel. When this repeatedly occurs it breaks down the protective enamel coating and causes your child to have cavities.
WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD BEGIN DENTAL VISITS?
Dental visits should begin after his or her 1st birthday. This usually begins with a happy visit with mom or dad. The dentist can show you how to clean your child's teeth, discuss fluoride treatments if necessary and explain dental sealants which is a barrier that protects the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
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