Kids

Children’s Dentistry

I have long 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. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry now also recommends the same thing: First Visit by the First Birthday.

Being a ‘good parent’ does not require that you take your child to a Children’s Dentist (pedodontist). I routinely see children, and I do refer to a pedodontist when needed (extensive dental treatment required, special needs, etc.).

Guidelines for working with children

comfort is always our concern
parent / guardian consent and guidance are vital, before any procedure
no restraint is ever used

* Generally it is most effective if parents are NOT in the room during the full time of treatment. If the parents have any dental anxieties, please don’t bring those with you. For your child’s best interest, you will likely be invited to wait in the reception room during treatment.

First Visit

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.

Checkups

Education and prevention are the cornerstones of my 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 all teeth present
loose teeth
cavity check
check health of gums
braces / bite evaluation
habit evaluation
homecare / prevention

fluoride use
review diet
review health history
evaluate tongue, speech
address adult’s concerns
teach adults how to care for child’s teeth

Home Dental Care Tips

It is often difficult initially to brush your child’s teeth – that’s normal. 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.

Suggestions:

let your child brush first when teaching them, then help them with their brushing
don’t be concerned at first with trying to brush all the teeth at each session
reinforce your teaching with positive role modeling, make sure your child sees you brush and floss regularly – they will want to mimic you
go ahead and begin to floss their teeth when teeth are touching together (Wild Flossers really help make it easier)