|
Taking your child to the dentist at a young age is the best way that you can prevent problems such as tooth decay. It can also help you learn how to clean your child's teeth and to identify his or her fluoride needs. Tooth decay can occur as soon as teeth begin to appear. Bringing your child to the dentist early will often lead to a lifetime of good oral health care habits and allows your child to become familiar with his or her dentist's office. It is never too soon to begin to properly care for your child's teeth, so begin now. Begin Dental Care Immediately Proper dental care should begin even before your baby's first tooth appears. Just because you can't see the tooth, does not mean it is not there because teeth begin to form in the second trimester of pregnancy. Wiping your child's gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings will help to prevent the buildup of bacteria. When the first teeth begin to appear, you can start using a soft children's toothbrush twice a day. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends bringing your child to the dentist before his or her first birthday. At their initial visit, the dentist will:
* Check for decay and signs of early development problems
* Explain how to properly care for your child's teeth
* Answer any questions you might have in regards to proper dental health care for your child Full Orthodontic Evaluation Before planning any treatment, your dentist will provide your child with a full orthodontic evaluation. They will examine your child's teeth, jaws, joints, face, and profile, in addition to how they bite and swallow. Diagnosis and treatment planning often involves a clinical exam, photographs, two x-rays, and plaster study models. After gathering all of the information, it is shared and discussed with the child and parents in a private consultation to begin treatment. An early orthodontic evaluation will help you give your child the best opportunity for a beautiful and healthy smile. Evaluation of Dental Decay At your child's oral exam, your dentist will also complete a thorough evaluation of dental caries. The diagnosis of dental caries is made upon the examination of your child's teeth. Usually tests are not necessary. However, some tests may be done to determine the severity of the tooth decay. Tests that may be used to evaluate dental caries include dental x-rays and needle aspiration to detect a questionable dental abscess. If tooth decay is detected, your child's dentist will create a proper treatment plan for restoring your child's teeth. Prevention tips for parents to decrease the risk of early childhood tooth decay include:
* Wean a child from the bottle or breast by your child's first birthday
* Use spill-proof cups as a transitional step in the development of children
* Don't allow children to use spill-proof cups throughout the day
* Drink sugary beverages through a straw
* Introduce oral health care habits early Caring for your child's teeth begins early and often. By doing so, you are setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy permanent teeth and overall dental health. Begin proper dental care for your child immediately and with the initial onset of your child's first tooth, visit your Brookfield dentist for assessment. You can pave the way for a lifetime of proper dental health for your child.
Dr. Paul Culver, dentist in Brookfield, WI, is a solo practitioner who established his dental practice in 1982. Dr. Culver, Brookfield cosmetic dentist, specializes in patient comfort while delivering quality treatments, including dental crowns, root canal therapy and dental implants, among other cosmetic procedures.
|
