We recommend you make an appointment to see the dentist as soon as your son or daughter gets that first tooth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children be seen by six months after their first tooth appears, or at one year of age, whichever comes first.
All dental specialists (pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and others) begin by completing dental school and continue their education with several years of additional, specialized training. During training in the field of pediatric dentistry, Dr. Stephens and Dr. Walton gained extensive knowledge and experience in treating infants, children, and adolescents.
Pediatric dentists enjoy working with children, and bring to each patient their expertise in childhood development and behavior. Because our office is geared toward young visitors, you’ll find that our staff, as well as our office design, decorations, and activities, all work together to provide an especially friendly and comfortable environment for children.
The first visit is usually short and simple. In most cases, we focus on getting to know your little one and giving you some basic information about dental care. Dr. Stephens or Dr. Walton will check your child’s teeth for placement and health, and look for any potential problems with the gums and jaw. If necessary, we may do a bit of cleaning.
We will also answer any questions you have about how to care for your child’s teeth as they develop, and provide you with materials that contain helpful tips.
The best preparation for your child’s first visit to our office is to maintain a positive attitude. Children pick up on adults’ apprehensions, and if you make negative comments about trips to the dentist, you can be sure your child will anticipate an unpleasant experience and act accordingly.
Remember that the dentist is specially trained to handle fears and anxiety, and our staff excels at putting children at ease during treatment.
We generally recommend scheduling checkups every six months. Depending on the circumstances of your youngster’s oral health, we may recommend more frequent visits.
Although they don’t last as long as permanent teeth, a child’s first teeth play a vital role in development. While they’re in place, these primary teeth help your little one speak, smile, and chew properly.
They also hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth. If a child loses a tooth too early (due to damage or decay), nearby teeth may encroach on that space, which can result in crooked or misplaced permanent teeth. Also, your son or daughter’s general health is affected by the oral health of the teeth and gums.
Even before your infant’s first tooth appears, we recommend you clean the gums after feedings with a damp, soft washcloth. As soon as that first tooth appears, you can start using a toothbrush.
Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head. You can most likely find a toothbrush designed for infants at your local drugstore.
Once your child has a few teeth, you can start using toothpaste on their toothbrush.
Certain types of bacteria live in our mouths. When these bacteria come into contact with sugary foods left behind on our teeth after eating, acids are produced. These acids attack the enamel on the exterior of the teeth, and eventually eat through the enamel and create holes in the teeth, which we call cavities.
Make sure your child brushes his or her teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Flossing daily is also important, since flossing can reach spots between the teeth that brushing can’t.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks, limit snacking, and maintain a healthy diet.
Finally, make regular appointments so we can check the health of your child’s teeth and perform professional cleanings.
Sealants cover the pits and fissures in teeth that are difficult to brush and therefore susceptible to decay. We recommend sealants as a safe, simple way to help your little one avoid cavities, especially for molars, which are hardest to reach.
A large majority of children suck their thumbs or fingers as infants, and most grow out of it by the age of four without causing any permanent damage to teeth. If your child continues sucking after permanent teeth emerge, or sucks aggressively, let us know and we can check to see if any problems may arise from the habit.
Once the baby teeth in back are touching each other, then regular (at least yearly) X-rays are recommended. Dr. Stephens and Dr. Walton will evaluate if x-rays are appropriate at your visit.
