Dental Care For Children

Bring them early and often

Childrens' dental care is a very special part of dentistry. nearly all dentists see children in their practices. Some dentists have taken extra training and have specialized in the treatment of children. These specialists are called Pedodontists or Pediatric Dentists.

There are a number of dental conditions which are very specific for children. Additionally, children often do not understand that the dentist is trying to help them. This can make a difficult treatment even more challenging.

When Should Children Come for their First Visit?

I encourage parents to bring their children with them to their cleaning visits. This allows the child to become accustomed to the office and see that it's just the place where mom or dad get's their teeth brushed. Many recommend bring them in six months after their first baby tooth appears. Many kids are comfortable enough by age 4 to sit in the chair and let the hygeinist count their teeth or even do some polishing. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists Recommends that children should have their first post-natal evaluation at around their first birthday. It's important that the parent present the dental visit as a fun event or at least a non-event. Explain that the dentist will look in their mouth, count their teeth, and polish them with a toothbrush. Avoid negative words. Saying something like "the dentist won't hurt you" to a small child who has never been to the dentist will just about guarantee an unpleasant visit.
Preventive Care

You should help your child brush teeth and gums until about age six and supervise closely thereafter. Good nutrition is critical during these developmental years. Avoid sticky starchy foods, foods high in sugar(this includes corn syrup, sucrose, fructose, etc. read the content labels), and soda drinks which are high in acids as well as sugar. Remember to not let your child sleep with a bottle. Teeth soaking in sugar can lead to a dramatic problem known as nursing bottle syndrome and much suffering for your child.

Children's Dental Problems

• If a childs tooth should develop decay you should get it fixed. Baby teeth aid in proper nutrition, development of the mouth and jaws, and the eruption of the permanent teeth. They are important!
• Thumbsucking past the age of three or four is generally considered too long and may even require psychological intervention to correct. Your dentist can help you with this problem.
• Children deserve good dental health and a life free of dental fear. With patience and compassion they can become good dental patients and healthy adults.