|
How
to prepare your child for a visit to the dentist's office
One of the most successful ways to prepare your
child for a dental examination is to have the child accompany a parent
or older sibling when they come in for an examination. This way the
child becomes familiar with the office before having his or her own
examination. They usually get a toy from the toy chest, see that nothing
unpleasant happens to them or their parents/siblings, and are happy
to come back.
At
what age will you start seeing children?
We recommend that your child begin their preventive
dental care at the age of 3. At the first appointment a
visual exam is performed, but the primary reason for the first appointment
is to get your child acclimated to the
dental environment, and to create a positive dental experience. If your
child is complaining of a toothache before
this time, please do not hesitate to call us so we can take care of
any issues before they become larger problems.
Can
I bring my children to my dental appointment?
Safety is of our utmost concern. We want to make
sure that you and your child are out of harm's way. We also
strive to provide all of our patients with a tranquil environment to
receive their dental care. If you have an
infant we recommend that you bring someone that can tend to them when
necessary. If we need to have x-rays
the children will not be able to be in your room until those have been
completed, to ensure that they do not get
exposed to the radiation.
If
you are having an extraction or any other procedure that may be more
invasive, we do not recommend that
your child be in the room with you. However, if your appointment does
not fall into these categories, or
circumstances arise that it is necessary that you bring your children
with you, we recommend that you bring
some toys that they may sit in the corner of your room and play quietly.
Please call our office before your
appointment, we will be happy to let you know what treatment will be
provided, so that you can provide the
best care possible for your children.
A child's first examination
A child's first visit is usually a routine exam.
The amount of treatment provided is based on the child's personality
and abilities. It is very important for the child to control how much
can be done so as not to have him or her traumatized by the visit. Children
who do not learn to fear trips to the dentist can grow up anxiety-free
dental patients, having and maintaining teeth that would make any parent
proud.
What
are sealants?
Dental sealants are clear coatings that are applied
to the top of a tooth. The sealant provides a protective covering that
keeps out plague and food, greatly decreasing the chance of tooth decay.
Usually these sealants are used to help prevent decay from developing
in teeth in the rear of the mouth, the premolars and molars, where it
is often difficult to effectively clean the teeth with a toothbrush.
Sealants are especially good to use on children whose permanent teeth
are in the processing of erupting and who are still learning how to
practice proper dental hygiene.
The
application of sealants is usually a fairly quick procedure. First the
tooth to be sealed is thoroughly cleaned. Next, the dentist "conditions"
the top of the tooth so that the sealant will adhere to the tooth's
surface. The sealant is then applied and allowed to set and bond to
the tooth. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth is protected
from decay. Often sealants last for several years before a reapplication
is necessary.
If
you have any questions on whether your child may benefit from sealants,
contact our office.
How teeth develop
From
birth to around the age of twenty-one, your child's teeth are developing
and erupting. Below is a chart listing the major changes that occur
during development.
Birth
to one year
At birth, a baby usually has twenty primary (baby) teeth. Between six
months and one year, the first primary teeth erupt. Usually the first
teeth to appear are the four right in front. Within the first year you
should find a dentist and start bringing your baby in when the first
teeth appear.
TIP Watch out for baby tooth decay from baby bottles.
One to three years
The primary teeth continue to erupt until all twenty are in, usually
by the child's third birthday.
TIP Continue to monitor for tooth decay. Discuss how to care for your
baby's teeth with your dentist.
Three to six years
The child's jaw continues to develop in preparation for the eruption
of permanent (adult) teeth. Nutrition and oral hygiene habits are important
to establishing a lifetime of good dental health.
TIP Thumbsucking should have discontinued by age three. If your child
is still sucking their thumb or pacifier, make an effort to work with
your child to break them of the habit. Discuss possible aids with your
dentist or pediatrician.
Six to twelve years
Your child should be learning to brush their teeth, and often can do
it without supervision by age seven. Because flossing is more difficult,
most children start around seven or eight.
The primary teeth are just starting to be shed as the permanent teeth
start to erupt. The first permanent teeth to emerge are the four front
teeth called the central incisors. Next to erupt are the teeth on either
side of the central incisors, the lateral incisors.
By
age eight, start looking out for malocclusion, the misalignment of teeth,
also known as a "bad bite". Discuss with your dentist treatment
options. Also, discuss the use of sealants with your dentist to help
prevent tooth decay.
Thirteen to Twenty-one years
By now nearly all of the 32 permanent teeth are in except for the two
most rear: the second and third molar. The very last tooth, the third
molar may erupt anywhere from age 17-21. By age thirteen your child
should be flossing everyday without supervision. It is recommended that
your child or young adult continues to see a dentist every six months.
|
