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The First Visit
We recommend that the first visit should be around age 3, depending on
the
maturity of the child. The introduction to the dental office and the
dental
team should be a positive experience. We encourage parents to bring the
child during one of their own checkups. When a child watches what
happens at
their parents' checkup, receives a ride in the chair, and visits the
treasure chest, the anxiety of a first visit is alleviated.
Prevention and Oral Care
Because we do not usually see the child for the first three years,
prevention of decay and gum disease is in the hands of the parents. We
recommend that the parent brush the child's teeth as soon as they erupt
(usually at 6 months). Once multiple teeth are present, flossing should
be
added to the routine. Most of our water supplies do not have fluoride
in the
water. It is important that the child have low doses of fluoride from
birth
to about age 12 so consult with your pediatrician and ask for a
prescription. Drops can be added to formula, juice, or cereals at an
early
age and then a child can graduate to chewable tablets. Once we see the
child, we can provide you with a prescription and continue it to age
12.
Baby Bottle Syndrome
Having a child sleep with a bottle that contains milk or juice can have
devastating effects on the teeth. Since milk and juice contain sugar in
the
form of lactose, fructose, and glucose, bathing the teeth in this
liquid for
long periods of time causes extensive decay. If the child has to sleep
with
the bottle, we recommend it be filled with only water.
Sealants
At approximately age 6, the first permanent molars erupt posterior to
the
baby teeth. The chewing surface of these molars have microscopic cracks
and
fissures where the food and bacteria can harbor and eventually cause
decay.
Soon after eruption we can seal over these areas and prevent this
problem.
It is a quick and painless procedure and requires no anesthesia. We
repeat
this procedure for the 12 year molars.
In conclusion...
We consider the parent as part of our team to help the child have a
healthy
mouth. Early brushing and flossing, daily fluoride, sealants, and
regular
checkups two times each year can help to achieve this goal.
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