PEADIATRIC DENTISTRY

We recommend a first checkup by 12 months old to make certain that teeth and jaw development are normal, and even more importantly so that parents and guardians know how to help their children be healthy from the start.

GUIDELINES FOR WORKING WITH CHILDREN

• Parents / guardians are always welcome in the room
• Comfort is always our concern
• Parent / guardian consent and guidance are vital, before any procedure

WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE FIRST VISIT FOR MY CHILD ?

We recommend a first checkup by 12 months. A simple guide for when to schedule a first visit:

• No longer than 6 months after first tooth is erupted
• At least by 12 months old
• As soon as possible if you have any queries

There is a significant value for early well baby dental checkups. In particular, checkups for very young children address many concerns including teaching adults how to care for their child's teeth and gums, how to help their children learn to care for themselves, answering parents questions and concerns, and planning for future dental health.

HOW WILL THE ROUTINE CHECKUPS HELP MY CHILD ?

Education and prevention are the cornerstones of our concern for the dental health of children. In addition to teaching parents and guardians about dental care for their child, checkups are an appropriate time to comfortably and easily evaluate:

• How many teeth are present
• Are all teeth present
• Loose teeth if any
• Braces / bite evaluation
• Cavity check
• Check health of gums
• Habit evaluation
• Homecare / prevention
• Fluoride use
• Review diet
• Address adult's concerns
• Teach adults how to care for child's teeth

WHEN TO START CLEANING AND BRUSHING YOUR CHILDS TEETH?

Cleaning of teeth with a wet cloth should be started as soon as the teeth erupt in to the mouth, making sure at all times that he does not go to bed with anything stuck to the teeth. At about age 2, most of your child's teeth will be in. Now you can start brushing them with a baby brush and water alone add a small drop of fluoride toothpaste only when you have taught to spit and not to ingest the tooth paste.

As your child gets older let him use his own toothbrush, try brushing their teeth first and then letting them finish -- but you put the toothpaste on the toothbrush use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and supervise his brushing techniques

HOW SHOULD I CLEAN MY CHILD'S TEETH ?

It is often difficult initially to brush your child's teeth. They can really put up a struggle, screaming, kicking, crying, running away, not opening their mouths - every kid is different.

Healthy teeth and gums are so important to start out life with. We've often heard the value of choosing your battles with your children, and this is one to choose. Remember that the initial challenge you face is actually more taxing on you than it ultimately is for your child.