Experts at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend children visit a pediatric dentist as soon as their first tooth appears, or when they turn one year old. At your child’s first visit to Smile Explorers, we look for potential problems and help your child discover we are friendly. Early dental visits help children find a trip to the dentist to be positive and anxiety-free.
You can help make sure your child’s first experience to the dentist is happy and positive by talking about the upcoming visit and using positive words. Avoid using scary words such as “drill,” “needle,” or “hurt.” Truly there is nothing a young child has to fear at early dentist visits, so there is no reason to “prepare” for something unpleasant. As a mom or dad, even if you have had some dental challenges yourself, you should stay relaxed and calm — otherwise your child can sense your fear or anxiety about the dentist. When you and your child arrive at Smile Explorers for your appointment, the pediatric dentists and staff will work to make the whole experience the best possible for everyone!
Good brushing habits should begin as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts. You should begin cleaning your child’s teeth daily at that point. When your child is old enough to understand not to swallow their toothpaste, you can put a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on the brush and allow them to brush their teeth, while you supervise to be sure your child is doing a complete and thorough job.
Children need to brush all surfaces of the teeth using a circular motion. Show them how to first brush all outer surfaces on the upper and lower teeth. Next, they should brush all inner surfaces. Last, they should brush all chewing surfaces. As an important final touch, they should brush their tongue.
Primary teeth (baby teeth) are going to fall out eventually. So, is infant and kids dental care really that important? The answer is: Yes. Baby teeth are extremely important:
Most children begin losing baby teeth around the age of six, and usually all have been lost by age 12. During the transition period, baby teeth and permanent teeth reside in the mouth at the same time. It makes sense for the new permanent teeth to be in the company of healthy primary teeth to assure continuing good dental health.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, pregnant women are recommended to adhere to oral healthcare standards during pregnancy, as periodontal disease can actually impact your baby, increasing the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
Parents who do not have good dental habits can actually pass on the bacteria that causes cavities to their younger children through sharing food, cups, and utensils. Additionally, children are mimicry learners – they learn behaviors from what they see and hear. Both mom and dad should visit their dentist twice yearly, brush and floss daily, and use fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse to reduce plaque.
To reschedule an appointment, please call our office at least 24 hours in advance of the date and time. At Smile Explorers, we try to accommodate schedule changes and help you find a date that fits your schedule.
You can begin daily flossing when your child has two teeth that touch. At first, you should gently floss your child’s teeth until the child can handle it alone. It really should be a soft and gentle process without force or pressure applied. The main goals are to develop the familiarity and the good habits.
Smile Explorers’ pediatric dentists can help you determine if your child is ready to begin brushing or flossing without supervision, and can help guide your child into great dental hygiene habits.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends pregnant women continue with good oral healthcare standards during pregnancy. A mom’s periodontal disease, known commonly as “gum disease,” can actually impact the unborn baby, increasing the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
Parents who have less healthy dental habits can actually pass cavity-causing bacteria to their younger children by sharing food, cups and utensils. And don’t forget: Children learn by seeing and hearing what other people do. Moms and dads who visit their dentist twice yearly, brush and floss daily, and use fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse to reduce plaque, are parents who are setting examples kids are more likely to accept and copy.
