Dental First Steps
by Dr. Donna Bautista (published in South Coast Magazine)
A couple of years ago, my niece at age two, fell off her red wagon and landed facedown. She suffered a bruised, cut lip and loose front baby teeth…not to mention countless tears. We feared a toothless grin for her childhood future. Luckily, her baby teeth survived the ordeal and her toothy smile was saved.
Baby teeth, also known as primary or “milk” teeth, are usually present from approximately 6 months to 12 years old. Parents often ask why these teeth are important and still need our care considering they eventually will fall out. Basically, baby teeth provide chewing ability for proper digestion and nutrition, especially during the child’s growth years. They also are important in maintaining the needed space for adult teeth. Early tooth loss of these teeth can lead to improper alignment and may adversely affect the normal development of the jawbone and surrounding muscles. These teeth also help your child learn to pronounce words properly and smile with confidence. Developmentally, these teeth are quite essential. Recently, studies have shown that children with decay in their baby teeth tend to have a higher chance of decay in their permanent, adult teeth. This provides enough incentive to make routine dental visits a part of your child’s health care schedule.
We strongly believe that achieving a lifetime of good dental health is aided by having a positive and hopefully enjoyable experience in the dental office. How many of us have been traumatized by a bad dental experience? It can almost ruin every dental experience afterwards. We do take the necessary time to reach a trust and comfort level before any dental work is to begin. For parents, there are several ways to help make your child’s dental experience a positive one. The American Dental Association recommends a child’s first visit take place by the age of one. During this appointment, risk of decay can be determined. More importantly, we make sure you are educated on proper diet and care for your child’s teeth. Before the initial appointment, if possible, prepare your child with positive descriptions and imagery. “The dentist is going to count your teeth” or “They will teach you how to brush to keep your teeth nice and clean”. Avoid words or phrases such as “shot” or “hurt”—these can make any of us fearful and nervous. Always brush and floss before a dental appointment.
It is becoming increasingly evident that parents are making healthier teeth a priority for their children. Often, parents with a history of tooth decay are concerned their children have inherited this condition. It is now known that babies are not born with the specific bacteria known to be the cause of decay. It has been shown that decay-causing bacteria usually pass from mother to infant. In essence, mothers that have healthy mouths, free of active dental decay, are much more likely to have babies that are free of early dental decay.
There are great products out there that can help keep decay at bay. Kids always get excited about getting a new toothbrush (especially when it has fun characters and designs on it). Battery-operated toothbrushes can provide motivation to brush. Since they are still developing strength and coordination, children will need help with brushing until about the age of six. Floss your child’s teeth once two teeth begin to touch. There are great flossing products on the market that come in different colors and shapes—perfect for small hands to hold and learn to floss with. Another way to increase their interest in caring for teeth is to let him/her help you brush your teeth.
Good dental hygiene is an ongoing, lifetime effort. This means that parental teaching and supervision must continue well into your child’s teen years. Teenagers’ schedules get busier and diets often include more sweets and soda. Soda is a big culprit in that its acidity dissolves the enamel of teeth. Cut back on the soda! This is also a time when your child can be in the midst of orthodontic treatment (braces). Braces work by improving dental health with straightening teeth and improving the bite. However, during orthodontic treatment, braces are an obstacle to getting teeth clean at home. Food constantly gets trapped in the braces and brush and flossing is more difficult. Teens really need continual encouragement to put the extra effort into their routine. Frequent dental cleanings and checkups are recommended while your child is in braces to ensure no collateral damage takes place.
No doubt, a child benefits from good habits early on--especially when it comes to teeth. (Hopefully, they will follow by example!) Think of baby teeth as a guide for adult teeth and take advantage of every opportunity to make dental care a priority for your child. A healthy and appreciative smile will be your long-term reward.
by Dr. Donna Bautista (published in South Coast Magazine)
A couple of years ago, my niece at age two, fell off her red wagon and landed facedown. She suffered a bruised, cut lip and loose front baby teeth…not to mention countless tears. We feared a toothless grin for her childhood future. Luckily, her baby teeth survived the ordeal and her toothy smile was saved.
Baby teeth, also known as primary or “milk” teeth, are usually present from approximately 6 months to 12 years old. Parents often ask why these teeth are important and still need our care considering they eventually will fall out. Basically, baby teeth provide chewing ability for proper digestion and nutrition, especially during the child’s growth years. They also are important in maintaining the needed space for adult teeth. Early tooth loss of these teeth can lead to improper alignment and may adversely affect the normal development of the jawbone and surrounding muscles. These teeth also help your child learn to pronounce words properly and smile with confidence. Developmentally, these teeth are quite essential. Recently, studies have shown that children with decay in their baby teeth tend to have a higher chance of decay in their permanent, adult teeth. This provides enough incentive to make routine dental visits a part of your child’s health care schedule.
We strongly believe that achieving a lifetime of good dental health is aided by having a positive and hopefully enjoyable experience in the dental office. How many of us have been traumatized by a bad dental experience? It can almost ruin every dental experience afterwards. We do take the necessary time to reach a trust and comfort level before any dental work is to begin. For parents, there are several ways to help make your child’s dental experience a positive one. The American Dental Association recommends a child’s first visit take place by the age of one. During this appointment, risk of decay can be determined. More importantly, we make sure you are educated on proper diet and care for your child’s teeth. Before the initial appointment, if possible, prepare your child with positive descriptions and imagery. “The dentist is going to count your teeth” or “They will teach you how to brush to keep your teeth nice and clean”. Avoid words or phrases such as “shot” or “hurt”—these can make any of us fearful and nervous. Always brush and floss before a dental appointment.
It is becoming increasingly evident that parents are making healthier teeth a priority for their children. Often, parents with a history of tooth decay are concerned their children have inherited this condition. It is now known that babies are not born with the specific bacteria known to be the cause of decay. It has been shown that decay-causing bacteria usually pass from mother to infant. In essence, mothers that have healthy mouths, free of active dental decay, are much more likely to have babies that are free of early dental decay.
There are great products out there that can help keep decay at bay. Kids always get excited about getting a new toothbrush (especially when it has fun characters and designs on it). Battery-operated toothbrushes can provide motivation to brush. Since they are still developing strength and coordination, children will need help with brushing until about the age of six. Floss your child’s teeth once two teeth begin to touch. There are great flossing products on the market that come in different colors and shapes—perfect for small hands to hold and learn to floss with. Another way to increase their interest in caring for teeth is to let him/her help you brush your teeth.
Good dental hygiene is an ongoing, lifetime effort. This means that parental teaching and supervision must continue well into your child’s teen years. Teenagers’ schedules get busier and diets often include more sweets and soda. Soda is a big culprit in that its acidity dissolves the enamel of teeth. Cut back on the soda! This is also a time when your child can be in the midst of orthodontic treatment (braces). Braces work by improving dental health with straightening teeth and improving the bite. However, during orthodontic treatment, braces are an obstacle to getting teeth clean at home. Food constantly gets trapped in the braces and brush and flossing is more difficult. Teens really need continual encouragement to put the extra effort into their routine. Frequent dental cleanings and checkups are recommended while your child is in braces to ensure no collateral damage takes place.
No doubt, a child benefits from good habits early on--especially when it comes to teeth. (Hopefully, they will follow by example!) Think of baby teeth as a guide for adult teeth and take advantage of every opportunity to make dental care a priority for your child. A healthy and appreciative smile will be your long-term reward.
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