Dentistry for Kids
With your child first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable for them! Our office makes a special effort to make you and your child to feel comfortable, non- frightening. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It’s important that your child’s newly erupted teeth receive the best first proper dental care and they benefit from proper hygiene habits right in the beginning. Most children are at a high risk for tooth decay. We recommend your child visits the dentist at least 2 times a year for dental cleanings and checkups.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends...
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It’s important that your child’s newly erupted teeth receive the best first proper dental care and they benefit from proper hygiene habits right in the beginning. Most children are at a high risk for tooth decay. We recommend your child visits the dentist at least 2 times a year for dental cleanings and checkups.
When New Teeth Arrive
When your child’s first primary or baby teeth begin to erupt between the ages 6 and 12 months, and they’ll continue to erupt until age three. During the time they grow, your child’s gums may be tender or even sore. To help alleviate their discomfort, our office recommends that you soothe the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. You can also to make use of a teething ring. When your child has finished, you can expect a total of 20 primary teeth. The primary teeth also shed at various times throughout their childhood. The permanent teeth begin showing at age 6, and they continue to age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth including 4 wisdom teeth which adds up to 32.
Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits
As the teeth begin to erupt, be sure to examine them every 2 weeks, looking for the lines and the discoloration that can be caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack the new tooth forming so make sure to remind your child to brush twice a day. We do recommend brushing four times a day for optimal hygiene, after breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime. However, brushing can be fun and you should encourage your child to brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When it erupts, parents should brush the tooth with a soft bristled toothbrush and a pea- sized amount of toothpaste. For children that are younger than two, they should not use fluoride unless advised to do so by your dentist. We also suggest reviewing proper tooth brushing procedures with your child. It’s also super important to floss within your oral hygiene routine. Dr Sun will advise you of when to floss at the right time. If you notice any signs of decay, please contact our office immediately.
Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups
The decay that’s found on your teeth that are left from sugars that usually turn into an acid, which can break down your teeth. Most children are at a high risk for tooth decay with a simple reason, many children and adolescents do not practice regular, good oral hygiene habits. With regular brushing and flossing can prevent decay from coming back. We recommend your child visits the dentist at least 2 times a year for dental cleanings and checkups.
