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Your child's first visit
When should
your child visit the Paediatric Dentist for the first time?
The baby's first
dental visit should be when the first tooth erupts, approximately
at six months but no later than the first birthday
This visit allows
the paediatric dentist to examine the shape of the baby's
jaws and the condition of the oral tissues in general. The
paediatric dentist also explains the important role of good
oral hygiene and nutrition habits in the development of your
baby's teeth.
Why
so early?
 Because
dental caries may appear even during infancy
Because
properly informed informed play a very important role in their
baby's dental health
 How
this first dental exam is done?
The
first dental exam is usually performed with the child in his
parent's lap. The
exam at that early age should be short, but thorough. Dental visits don't have to be scary for children.
Pediatric
dentists are highly trained in methods to make babies and
children comfortable, when they see the dentist.
Pediatric dentists also have advanced skills in caring
for children's mouths.
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Why
the baby (primary)
teeth are important?
Primary
(baby) teeth are important to your child's future dental health,
because they:
1) are necessary for proper chewing and eating,
2) permit normal development of the jaw bones and muscles,
3) provide space for the permanent teeth and guide them into
position and
4) affect the development of speech.
Damaging conditions, such as decay or trauma, can severely
affect the succeeding permanent tooth.
Children with decayed and abscessed teeth usually present
smaller weight, which can further affect their overall development.
Are
there any signs of teething?
Common
signs of teething are excessive drooling and grouchiness,
loss of appetite, change in eating habits, difficulty in sleeping,
red and puffy gums and sometimes fever.
The
best thing to do for teething discomfort is to clean the baby's
mouth two to three times a day with a damp and cold gauze
pad or specially designed teething rings that will comfort
the gums of the baby.
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When
should the cleaning of the teeth should start?
You
should be cleaning your baby's teeth as soon as they appear
through the gum. Initially, use a clean gauze pad or
washcloth. When all of the primary teeth have appeared,
you can begin using a small, child-size toothbrush with soft
bristles and a smear of baby toothpaste with low fluoride
content
The
pediatric dentist will inform you about proper dental care
using fluoride toothpaste. The goal of cleaning the
teeth is to remove bacteria and trapped food, which are the
main contributors to dental decay
Are
there any other methods for preventing decay?
Other
tools for fighting cavities are fluoride (fluoride toothpastes,
mouthrinses, gels and varnishes used in the dental office),
proper diet and the use of sealants. Fluoride
is a natural element that strengthens teeth, and therefore
delays or even inhibits dental decay.
Because
it is very important that the amount of fluoride your baby
receives is just right, follow the advice of your pediatric
dentist
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