Dentistry for Children (Pediatric Dentistry)
First impressions are very important and we want to make sure your child’s first experience with a dental care provider is a positive one.
Our goal is to provide a relaxed and non-stressful experience so that future visits aren’t dreaded.
It’s more than just giving out stickers and free toothbrushes (though, we do that and kids love it). We talk to both the parent and the child and make sure everyone is as comfortable as possible.
We want to understand your needs, fears and answer all of your questions. We can help make sure they have the right brushing and flossing techniques and build the basis for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
“Baby Teeth” Need Care
Just because they are “baby teeth” — they still need proper care. Not caring for baby (or primary) teeth can lead to infection, incorrect positioning of permanent teeth and poor eating habits. It is so important to take care of primary teeth that attention should be paid as the teeth come in.
Around six months of age, your baby will get his or her first tooth. You should use a clean wash cloth or a very soft children’s toothbrush to wipe teeth clean. Usually, this is enough to remove any plaque. A non-fluoride toothpaste can be used, but isn’t necessary as long as your family drinks fluoride-enriched water. Regular tap water is typically fluorinated. However, much of today’s bottled water is not. If your child doesn’t drink fluorinated water, consider using fluoride supplements. Fluoride is critical to developing strong teeth.
By the time children have learned to tie their shoes, they typically have the manual dexterity to brush their own teeth. But parents need to teach children how to brush properly. It takes two minutes to do a good job. There are some new musical toothbrushes on the market to make brushing more fun. Once the music stops, your child can stop brushing. An egg timer or brushing while listening to a song also works fine.
You should bring your child in for their first visit with Dr. Hagen, when your child is around age 3, but you can also bring them to one of your appointments about six months prior. We can let them sit in the chair and tell them what will happen when it’s their turn. This can take much of the fear away from their first visit. From age 3 on, a child should have regular six-month checkups.
A child has usually lost their baby teeth by age 14. Permanent teeth begin to appear around age 6, but sometimes aren’t complete until 18 - 22 years of age. Technology has come a long way and new procedures make it possible for more and more children to grow up cavity free. The need for traditional orthodontics, like braces, can be reduced with proper care of primary and permanent teeth. Accidents are a big source of lost primary teeth. Always have children wear mouth guards when playing sports to help them keep their natural teeth.
Though baby teeth will fall out, it’s important to teach young ones proper eating habits to aid placement for permanent teeth and keep infection at bay. Don’t let your children lose their primary teeth early. Teach and show them proper care now.
If you’re still in doubt, don’t hesitate to Contact Us and we’ll gladly answer any questions.
