At Verma Cosmetic & Family Dentistry we understand that children are often apprehensive and anxious about their dental appointments. We go that extra mile to create a dental experience that is fun and non-threatening. Our staff has the experience to create a gentle and safe environment to meet the special needs of children. We offer different options of sedation should the need arise that your child requires dental work to be done to restore their oral health. Often, if extensive fillings or caps are required to restore health to a child’s teeth, it is easier to use sedation. This allows the treatment to be done with a minimal amount of trauma for the child during the experience.
Prevention is always our goal with all of our patients and especially our patients who are children. There are many things you can do with your child to establish healthy oral habits that will last a lifetime.
Around 6 months of age most babies will begin to get their baby teeth, or primary teeth. Baby teeth are important for eating, talking and smiling. They also have an important function in “holding the space” for adult teeth as they start to come in. When your child’s adult teeth begin to emerge it is very important that they are growing into a healthy mouth.
Your baby’s primary teeth are important. Developmental stages that are directly related to your child’s future dental health depends on them. The best way to ensure the oral health of your child is to establish good oral hygiene habits early on and to begin consistent dental exams at the appropriate age. Below are some general recommendations to help establish lifelong good oral health habits for your child.
An important element of good oral health is your child’s eating habits. As a general precaution, you should help your child steer clear of foods that are high in sugar and starches. A diet that is high in candy and treats of all sorts, plays a very big role in tooth decay. A diet that goes easy on treats, candies, sodas and juices combined with proper oral hygiene will go a long way to prevent cavities in your child’s teeth.
Good Habits at Home
Follow these tips to put your child on the road to a bright, healthy smile.
- Stop sucking habits as soon as possible. They lead to potential tooth misalignment.
- Choose a soft, kid-size brush. Replace the brush every three months.
- Use no more than a pea-size amount of toothpaste on your child’s brush. This offers adequate fluoride and protection from fluorosis, a damaging oral condition caused by over ingestion of fluoride.
- Help your toddler brush after breakfast and before bed. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children under age eight brush with parents’ help.
- Avoid starchy and sugary snacks. They stick to teeth and increase the risk of decay.
- If your child is unable to brush, rinse her mouth with water to wash away food particles and sugar.
- Call your community’s water department to find out whether your water is fluoridated, and talk to your dentist about the best fluoride for your child.