When a youngster goes to the dentist for the first time, the experience should be fun for them.
When your family visits our dentist’s office, one of our top priorities is to make you and your kid feel comfortable immediately.
Did you know…
The Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises that you take your kid to the dentist within six months of their first tooth coming in. When did your child get their first tooth?
Many parents put off their kid’s first doctor appointments because they are anxious about how their youngsters will act during these yearly checkups. If parents wait too long (up to 3 or 4), there are already cavities and other issues with their children’s teeth. This has been our experience. It is in everyone’s best interest that preventative measures for excellent oral health be implemented early so that your children may remain healthy and cavity-free.
Pediatric Dentistry
It is critical to ensure that your kid’s freshly emerged teeth get appropriate dental care and that your child develops and maintains healthy oral hygiene practices from the beginning.
Sugars that are allowed to remain in the mouth develop into an acid that may deteriorate teeth, which is the primary cause of tooth decay. Because many children and teenagers do not engage in routine, proper oral hygiene practices are one of the primary contributors to the high prevalence of tooth decay in youngsters. Tooth decay may be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist regularly.
It is recommended that you take your child to the dentist once every six months for exams and cleanings of their teeth. In addition to routine dental cleanings, we advise getting fluoride treatments twice a year to maintain healthy, strong teeth. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they “seal” the deeper grooves in your kid’s teeth, preventing decay from occurring in these hard-to-reach locations. This is another reason why tooth sealants are recommended. Adhesives have a lifespan of many years, but their effectiveness will be evaluated during your child’s routine checkups.
Precautionary Measures
Your kid may contribute to keeping her smile bright and healthy for many years by practicing proper oral hygiene at home and arranging frequent checkups with the dentist.
Plaque and cavities may be avoided in several straightforward methods, including the following:
- You should ensure that your kid washes her teeth with a toothbrush with soft bristles at least twice a day. To effectively remove food debris and plaque from the tooth surfaces, fluoride toothpaste should be used. Also, ensure that she rubs the upper surface of her tongue; doing so will remove any excess plaque-causing food debris and help keep her breath fresh.
- You should make sure your youngster flosses at least once daily to clean the spaces between her teeth. You might also use a mouthwash to assist in eliminating germs and giving her a breath mint to refresh her breath. Bacteria that cause cavities may live in the spaces between teeth, which toothbrush brushes cannot reach. Plaque and food particles may be removed from between the teeth and beneath the gum line with dental floss and mouthwash.
- You should make sure that your kid eats a balanced diet and try to avoid giving them sweets that are too sugary. You may help your kid maintain a healthy grin by feeding them nutritious meals like fresh veggies, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit.
- Don’t forget to bring your kid in for routine checkups at the dentist every six months for thorough teeth cleaning by a trained expert.
- Speak with your dentist about dental sealants, which are protective coverings made of plastic that may be put to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This is the area of the tooth where decay often begins.
- If your kid participates in sports, make an appointment with their dentist to inquire about specialized mouthguards that protect your child’s smile from potential harm.
Teeth Grinding
The condition known as teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is relatively frequent in youngsters. Bruxism may refer to excessive grinding of the teeth or excessive clenching of the jaw.
The fact that adults often grind their teeth as a consequence of stress does not always mean that children will do the same. Other potential reasons for your child’s teeth grinding, if not due to stress, include inflammation in the mouth, pressure in the inner ear, allergies, and teeth that are not correctly aligned.
The good news is that your child’s teeth and jaws will alter and develop so fast that teeth grinding is typically not a destructive habit that needs treatment and that most people outgrow it by the time they reach their teenage years. However, if your kid’s dentist notices significant teeth wear, he or she may suggest that your child wear a night guard while sleeping.
If you are worried about your child’s habit of grinding their teeth, you should talk to your child’s dentist about the various reasons for this behaviour and, if required, the available treatments.
Sports Dentistry
The field of sports dentistry focuses on the prevention of dental injuries and the treatment of oral disorders that are connected to such injuries, as well as the dissemination of knowledge and the use of technology that is intended to assist in the protection of athletes’ teeth, mouths, jaws, and faces. It’s not uncommon for sportsmen to have injuries to their teeth and jaws. If your kid participates in sports, it is essential to take precautions to safeguard his or her smile, both for the child’s health and for the child’s appearance.
Common Dental Injuries in Sports
Protection from Injury
When protecting your child’s teeth and mouth from harm, having them wear a mouthguard while participating in sports is one of the most effective measures you can take. There is a wide variety of mouthguards available, and your child’s physician will be able to assist you in selecting the model that is most suited to meet your child’s requirements.
Pediatric Dental Emergencies
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please contact us as soon as possible. Call our 24-hour emergency line if you have a medical emergency outside of regular business hours. When your kid’s oral health is in jeopardy, we will always be available to provide a helping hand.
To schedule your next appointment, we invite you to contact us today. We look forward to caring for your smile!