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Why are baby teeth important? |
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This is a very common question parents ask us. Parents wonder why they should worry about cavities in the baby teeth when they will "just fall out anyway". The answer is that your child's baby or primary teeth play a vital role in her growth and development. Her baby teeth are meant to last until the permanent teeth are ready to erupt. They should not be neglected or left untreated simply because they will be lost one day.
The care of your child's baby teeth is just as important as the care of adult teeth. Baby teeth are used for chewing food properly, speaking clearly, and helping to promote positive self-esteem. They also reserve space in the jaw for permanent teeth, which helps to prevent the permanent teeth from being crooked or crowded. Caring for your child's baby teeth will also help protect her from painful dental decay and costly treatment.
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At what age should a child first visit a pediatric dentist? |
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The American Academy of Pediatric Denistry recommends your child's first oral exam should be by the age one.
Despite a general reduction in dental caries (cavities) in children and adolescents, Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a major health problem. According to one national study, 18% of U.S. children already experienced tooth decay by ages two to four. Dental caries is the most common chronic disease affecting children today, and a common reason why children miss school.
Dental caries is a complicated oral infectious disease, which can greatly impact your child's health. It begins in infancy when bacteria starts to inhabit her mouth. These bacteria produce acids and toxins harmful to the teeth and gums. They increase in number as more teeth erupt and her dietary practices become more sophisticated.
Very few infants at age 1 have dental problems requiring immediate intervention. However, since it is impossible to predict which children will develop cavities, an initial visit to a pediatric dentist is recommended. This visit is non-threatening and requires minimal cooperation of your infant. The goals of this visit are to:
- Assess the risk for dental disease and detrimental effects of non-nutritive sucking habits, such as pacifier and thumb sucking.
- Make dietary suggestions, so your child eats a balanced diet to build strong bones, decay-resistant teeth, and healthy gums.
- Educate you on the detrimental effects from frequent snacking. Research has proven that the frequency of snacking influences the decay rate more than the kinds of snacks eaten. This includes fruit juices and pop.
- Build your child's trust in the dentist and the dental staff.
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Your child is a precious gift. A visit to a pediatric dentist by age 1 is an important step on the road to total health. Good dental habits can be FUN if taught right and started EARLY! |
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What are some pre-natal tips for expectant mothers? |
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You have a baby on the way, congratulations! Maybe you have just made plans to become a parent. In any case, this promises to be a special time for you and your family.
A lot of time is spent preparing for your "little bundle of joy". A part of your preparation should include taking special care to ensure your dental health and that of your unborn baby.
Here are some tips for the moms-to-be. Some women experience dental problems during their pregnancy for a variety of reasons such as:
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy may make your gums susceptible to swelling or bleeding. Your dentist can help if this becomes a problem.
- You may have an increasing tendency to snack. This can be particulary harmful to your teeth if the snacks consist of sticky sweets or a lot of crackers or chips. Limit snacking and stay on a well balanced diet.
- Fatique associated with pregnancy, preparation for baby's arrival, or working outside the home, often causes an expectant mother to neglect her own oral health. Be sure to brush and floss daily.
- Once your baby is born there probably won't be time for this so...prior to delivery visit your dentist for an exam and cleaning, and complete any dental work that is necessary. Make sure your dentist is aware that you are pregnant before any x-rays are taken or procedures are performed.
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Before Your Baby Arrives
A balanced diet is crucial for the proper development of your unborn baby. Baby teeth begin to form about the sixth week, and permanent teeth begin to form about the twelfth week of pregnancy. A balanced diet that provides adequate amount of vitamins A, C, and D, protein, calcium, and phosphorous will provide the nutrients to develop strong, healthy teeth. Your physician may also suggest taking supplements and vitamins to promote good health for you and your baby.
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How can I get my child to brush? |
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It is extremely important that you brush your child's teeth, despite her protests and the fight she may give you.
The KEY to establishing good brushing habits is starting an oral care program early. The American Dental Association suggests that you begin cleaning your baby's mouth after each meal the first few days after birth. You can use gauze or a soft, wet washcloth.
This accomplishes three things:
- It removes a sticky substance containing mucus, food debris, and bacteria called plaque. Removing plaque prevents bacteria from bulding up on your baby's gums.
- It gets her accustomed to having a clean, plaque-free mouth. Later she will usually take steps, including brushing, to keep this clean feeling.
- It helps get your baby used to having someone put something in her mouth, making it much easier for you to brush her teeth later. It will also make it easier for the dentist and hygienist at her dental appointments.
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8 is the average age a child can brush on her own and 10 for flossing.
Now to answer the question - MAKE IT FUN! Make it seem as if brushing is a fun thing to do rather than a chore. Here are a few tips:
- Make a game of it. Let your child brush your teeth or a favorite dolls teeth. You should laugh a lot! Then allow her to brush her own teeth.
- Sing a funny little song to melodies like "Mary Had A Little Lamb" or "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" while she brushes her teeth.
- Let your child pick her own toothbrush.
- Praise her brushing efforts. Use phrases like "Your breath smells so good" or "Your teeth look sparkly!"
- Keep a chart. Place a star on each day your child brushes morning and night.
- Reward her with a fun activity or some other reward that you both have agreed on. This may be especially helpful to motivate an older child.
- Set a good example - let her see you brushing your teeth. Be enthusiastic about it, children are great emulators.
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Some reminders:
- Always follow up by brushing her teeth correctly after allowing her to brush.
- Use only a pea-size amount of toothpaste. Make sure your child gets in the habit of spitting out the toothpaste. Swallowing fluoride toothpaste on a consistent basis can lead to a condition known as flourosis (spots on the teeth).
- Use non-fluoride toothpaste until she can spit without swallowing the toothpaste.
- Change her toothbrush every 3-4 months and always after an illness.
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What methods do you use for infection control? |
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Since your child's health and safety are our utmost concern, infection control is a priority with us. We do everything possible to ensure your child is protected. Our office has a written and documented protocol of infection control so everyone can follow standardized procedures. The following are some of the infection control procedures key to our office:
- Before and after each patient's appointment all treatment surfaces i.e. counter tops, chair surfaces, lights, x-ray machines, and trays are disinfected with the most effective and safest products available.
- All instruments, including hand pieces or drills are sterlized by autoclaving (heat treating), thereby destroying any bacterial or viruses.
- Our doctors and staff use masks, safety glasses and, new gloves for each patient.
- Disposable instruments and materials are used where ever applicable.
- Our doctors and staff are trained in proper infection control and have been vaccinated against the Hepatitis-B Virus.
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