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Atrium
Dental Center
Questions about
Care of my Children's Teeth
This tool is intended to provide general
information only. It is not intended as a substitute
for professional dental or medical care. Do not rely
on it to make decisions about your health. Always consult
your dentist or physician for personal medical advice.
| 1.
When will by baby start getting teeth?
The first tooth to erupt is usually the front
lower tooth. This usually occurs around six month
of age, and you shouldn't become concerned unless
it hasn't come in by age one. Other teeth will
appear intermittently about every six month.
By age two-and-a-half to three years of age,
all
of the primary teeth are usually present.
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| 2.
How do I care for my baby's teeth?
Bacteria begin to accumulate in the mouth and combine
with sugar to form acid even before
teeth erupt. You can begin good habits by limiting
foods containing sugar and cleaning your infant's
mouth daily by wiping it clean with a piece of
gauze or a clean washcloth even before the first
tooth erupts. When your child has adjusted to
the routine, and after teeth have begun to appear,
you can begin using a small, moistened toothbrush.
At this stage, don't use toothpaste, since your
child probably won't like it and will also try
to swallow it, which should be avoided. As more
teeth erupt, flossing may also be needed. Consult
with your dentist for proper technique for cleaning
and flossing. Clean teeth twice a day, making
sure that one of these cleanings is after the last
meal or feeding of the day.
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| 3.
Are fluoride drops necessary?
In most cases, no. In our area most children
get plenty of fluoride through the water and
toothpaste.
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| 4.
When should I bring my child in for the first
dental visit?
You should bring your child in for the first
visit at about age 2 1/2 to 3 years of age, when
all their primary (baby) teeth have erupted,
unless there is an emergency or problem prior
to that. Usually the first visit is primarily
educational.
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| 5.
Is taking care of primary (baby) teeth really
that important?
Yes, primary teeth are important for developing
proper speech, for chewing food and for developing
the self-confidence that comes with a great smile.
They hold space in the jaw for the permanent
teeth to erupt correctly. They are important
in the development of speech. Cavities can be
painful. Premature loss of primary teeth
can
also be painful,
cause developmental problems and lead to
orthodontic complications. Good oral hygiene
and regular check-ups for children are extremely
important.
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| 6.
What are sealants?
A sealant is a very thin plastic coating which
is applied to the biting surface of the tooth.
Sealants are used to provide a barrier to protect
the tooth from bacterial plaque and acids which
cause
tooth decay. They are often used with children
because children under the age of 12 get most
new cavities on the biting surfaces of their
back teeth. The sealents can be applied in one
visit. A sealant is a very technique-sensitive
restoration: if
placed
well
they are a great
prevention tool; if placed poorly they may actually
contribute to the problem.
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| 7.
Do you recommend mouth-guards?
Mouth-guards definitely cushion blows to the
mouth area and help prevent or lessen the extent
of injury. They should be part of every athlete's
gear, whether child or adult. Custom-made mouth-guards
are designed by a dentist and made on a cast
of your teeth. While they are more
expensive, they cause less interference with
speaking and breathing and provide the best fit.
Often this means they are more likely to be
used. If you wear braces or have a bridge, it's
important that you use a custom-made
mouth-guard to avoid any damage to your braces
or bridge. Ready-made mouth-guards can be purchased
at most sporting goods stores. They provide some
measure of protection and are less expensive,
but are also less effective and less comfortable.
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| 8.
When are children able to brush their own teeth?
With proper instruction, most children are able
to brush their teeth well by age eight. Be sure
to check their teeth after brushing until you
are sure they are doing a good job consistently,
and then continue checking periodically for any
chalking white or brown spots which could be
the beginning of tooth decay.
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