Your Child’s First Visit

If your child plays sports, we highly encourage the use of a mouth guard. to protect their teeth from sports related dental trauma. Call us with any questions or concerns.

A good general rule for a healthy diet is more fresh food and less pantry items. This tends to limit us to the outside sections of the grocery store, which can be so tricky with our fast paced lives. Many foods advertised as healthy are loaded in processed sugars that are not good for your child. Thankfully we can now see the sugar content and daily value percentage for all of our foods, so check out that food label! For snacks, instead of crackers and gummy fruit snacks, try whole fruits, veggies, cheese, nuts and yogurt (again check out that label and pick a yogurt with low sugar). Finally, let’s eat the fruit and not drink it. For the little ones, bottles should only have water, breast milk and formula. Kids should NEVER be put to sleep with the bottle. Constant exposure to the sugars in the milk or juice in a bottle/ sippy cup will cause rapid cavities (known as “baby bottle tooth decay”). The same goes for older kids holding on to sports drink bottles. These are lifestyle choices we recommend on a daily, but you can surely treat your child occasionally for special occasions.

We recommend brushing two times per day and flossing any tooth that is touching. That being said, we will usually place an emphasis on night time brushing and say the morning is for “dragon breath” and the night time brushing is to stay cavity free. There are so many options for toothbrushes, we will usually make recommendations based on your child’s plaque level and your feedback on cooperation at home. For the teeny tiny ones we recommend cleaning your baby’s gums and tongue with a gentle washcloth.

Often times parents worry or stress more about the appointment than the child or provider. Please remember pediatric dentists are trained to treat the dental needs of young individuals and adults with special needs. Sometimes we may “choose our battles” but the safety and health or a child is always priority. Establishing a dental home will be key to the oral health and prevention of your child. When making an appointment, please let us know if your child has special needs or a complex medical history. Remember to keep consistent with their check-ups even if it may be stressful for you. Managing small things are always easier than managing big things. Consistency and familiarity will also help with cooperation .

Permanent teeth are all typically in by age 12. Kids are gaining more independence at this age and making more decisions regarding their diet and nutrition. During recall cleaning visits, we will educate your child on these decisions for their dental health and overall health. Sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks and junk food are consumed by many teens, but healthier options are encouraged. By this age, kids most likely have all of their permanent teeth and proper oral hygiene is demonstrated. Evaluations for orthodontics are completed at this age and referrals are given if needed.

This is a very fun age where kids finally start gaining some independence! Let them brush by themselves and establish a night-time routine. Once they are good at spitting, a “pea size” amount of fluoridated toothpaste two times per day is appropriate. Spaces will also become much tighter, so flossing is a must! I always recommend having them lay down to brush after them and for easy and fast flossing (just a tip from a tired mommy). Make the night time brush count! In the morning they can brush all on their own. If thumb or finger sucking habits continue to this age, you will most likely see bony changes and shifting teeth. These findings are usually addressed at their check-up.

Around 6 years of age, permanent teeth start coming into the mouth, starting with the 6-year molars. A little later we start singing that silly song about our front teeth. For the permanent molars, sealants may be recommended based on their risk for getting cavities. These back teeth have deep grooves, and the sealants cover the grooves prevent cavities. Although they will grow and mature much more in the next years, they still need help with their brushing and flossing (at night). If your child will benefit from early braces, we will likely refer you to the orthodontist at around age 7 -8. If your child plays sports, don’t forget a mouthguard.

Most babies are born without teeth, but did you know bacteria like to hang out on the tongue as well? For those toothless babies, a gentle swipe with a little wash cloth can be sufficient after feedings. You can also avoid the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria and other sick germs by limiting shared foods and utensils ( this won’t be an easy task with grandmas so choose your battles). Teething usually starts at around 6 months and continues until your child is 2 to 3 years old. We do recommend check-ups every 6 months where concerns such as fluoride use and habits can be discussed. Babies with frequent contact with milk, go to sleep with a bottle, or breastfeed throughout the night can develop cavities very rapidly.

Congratulations! Did you know your oral health can affect baby? The bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease are infectious and can be transmitted. A healthy smile for your baby begins during pregnancy. Here are a few recommendations during your pregnancy:

• Don’t skip your check up and cleaning. If treatment is recommended, the best time to will be during the second trimester. Not to worry, emergency dental treatment can be done at any time.
• Those first 3 months can be rough. If morning sickness is an issue, do not forget to rinse with water afterwards.
• Who doesn’t get the munchies when they are pregnant? Frequent snacking during pregnancy can significantly contribute to cavities.

Instead of sugary treats, try snacking on more nutrient-dense foods such as raw veggies, hummus, yogurt, nuts or fruit. Think more natural, less processed.