Children's Dentistry
I 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
- no restraint is ever used
* Welcome IF, you recognize that
directions during treatment should only come from one adult, the
doctor. 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
I
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 questions
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
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- fluoride use
- review diet
- review health history
- evaluate tongue, speech
- address adult's concerns
- teach adults how to
care for child's teeth
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One
child at a time,
please ...
I've
found that it's to your child's
advantage, as well as yours, to bring
only one of your children at a time
for their appointment. This way
they get your full attention.
Thank you in advance for this
consideration.
Home Dental Care
Tips
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.
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 (Wild
Flossers really help make it easier)
-
let them
play with a toothbrush anywhere in the house so that they
are comfortable with it (monitor - not to let them run
around with it unwatched)
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