Childhood dental habits establish the foundation for oral health during adulthood. By training children about proper hygienic habits at an early age, parents and caregivers can set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.
Visiting the Dentist for the First Time
A child’s first visit to the dentist should fall around his or her first birthday.
At our clinic, we have a FREE DENTAL consultation for children < 2 years old!
It is important to make visits to the dentist an exciting experience for young children. Parents should explain the importance of a dental appointment and answer any questions a child may have about the experience. Equally important is the dentist chose to care for a child’s teeth. We love treating kids and we have a child-friendly waiting area with iPads and books!
What to Expect
By the age of three, most children have 20 teeth often referred to as baby teeth. Although these teeth will eventually fall out they are still susceptible to decay until that time. If the decay becomes big, can be painful for the child, therefore the importance of prevention.
During childhood, the dentist will inspect the baby teeth for cavities and signs of decay, as well as ensure the teeth are erupting normally.
It is important to control:
- Dummy usage
- Sending children to bed with bottles or sugary beverages
- Using fluoridated toothpaste prior to age two
Fissure Sealants:
A sealant is a protective coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces (grooves) of the back teeth (premolars and molars), where four out of five cavities in children are found. This sealant acts as a barrier to food, plaque and acid, thus protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth.
Call us or book online today to seal/protect your child teeth from decay!
Fluoride
Fluoride is an element, which has been shown to be beneficial to teeth. However, too little or too much fluoride can be detrimental to the teeth. Little or no fluoride will not strengthen the teeth to help them resist cavities. In newly erupted teeth is the important frequent application of fluoride. It is done at the dental practice after a good professional clean.
FILLINGS/ EXTRACTIONS required for your son/daughter?
We have special techniques when treating young children. Sometimes they will need to get the tooth ‘numb’. First, we use numbing cream and some games and then, they don’t even notice they had the ‘needle’!
Please don’t use some words like ‘needle’, ‘pain’, with your child as we will control the dental situation in a different and more friendly way.