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FAQ's About Dental Visit
Does My Child Need to See a Dentist?
Dentists are specially trained to handle problems faced by children, such as dental
developmental difficulties. A dentist often has a relationship with the entire family
and therefore is aware of family history knowledge, which may apply to your child.
When should I take my child to the dentist?
The ideal time is six months after your child's first tooth erupts. This is the
perfect time for the dentist to carefully examine the development of your child's
mouth. Dental problems often start early, so the sooner the visit occurs, the better.
Also, your dentist can provide or recommend special preventive care to safeguard
against problems, such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease
and prolonged thumb-sucking.
How do I prepare my child and myself for the first visit?
Before the visit, ask the dentist what procedures will be performed so there are
no surprises. Some children may be non-cooperative. Talk to your child about what
to expect and build excitement as well as understanding about the upcoming visit.
Bring your child's medical records to complete the medical history forms before
the appointment.
When should the next visit be?
Children should see the dentist every six months.
When will my child lose his/her baby teeth?
Children will begin losing their teeth at approximately age 4. They will usually
lose their front teeth first. Children will continue to lose baby teeth until age
12 or 13 when all of the permanent teeth finally erupt.
Why is it important to fix baby teeth that have decay?
It is very important to maintain baby teeth because these teeth hold space for the
future eruption of permanent teeth. If a baby tooth decays or is removed too early,
the space necessary for the permanent tooth is lost and can only be regained through
orthodontic treatment. Infected baby teeth also can cause permanent teeth to develop
improperly, resulting in permanent enamel defects and weaker teeth.
What can I do to protect my child's oral health at home?
Clean your infant's gums with a clean, damp cloth. Ask your dentist if you may rub
a tiny dab of toothpaste on the gums. As soon as the first teeth come in, begin
brushing them with a small, soft- bristled toothbrush and a pea- sized dab of fluoride
toothpaste. Help a young child brush at night, which is the most important time
to brush, due to lower salivary flow and higher susceptibility to cavities and plaque.
By approximately age 5, your child can learn to brush his or her teeth with proper
parental instruction. The best way to teach a child how to brush is to lead by good
example. Allowing your child to watch you brush your teeth teaches the importance
of good oral hygiene.
Can tooth decay affect infants?
Yes! Tooth decay in infants and young children most often occurs in the upper front
teeth, but also may affect other teeth. Parents may not realize that a baby's teeth
can decay soon after they first appear. The decay may even enter the underlying
bone structure, which can hurt development of the permanent teeth. This problem
is frequently referred to as baby bottle tooth decay. This decay is caused by long-
term exposure of a child's teeth to liquids containing sugars. When a child consumes
a sugary liquid, acid attacks the teeth and gums and causes decay.