Here are 5 things your dentist wants you to know.
1. Visits Start Earlier Than You May Think
Typically, you should take your child to the dentist somewhere between 6 months and one year or when their teeth begin to erupt, whichever comes first. Every kid is unique, some have teeth come in earlier than others and some later.
If your child is approaching age one and does not have any teeth, we still recommend coming in. Not all parents do this, but it is good to get them used to the experience of being at the dentist. The first visits are for parental education, ensuring we are doing everything properly at home, and establishing a dental home just in case emergencies arise.
2. You Can Prepare For Your First Visit
I would advise all parents to practice cleaning their child’s mouth often to get them used to it. Early on, this can be as simple as using a wet washcloth on the baby’s gums. There are great finger toothbrushes and infant toothbrushes to use once teeth start coming in. If you start right away, they grow up used to the practice of keeping their mouth clean.
It is recommended to use a grain of rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste as soon as the child has teeth. Be sure to keep using this small amount until around age 3 when the child can reliably spit.
3. Your Kid May Not Want To Go To The Dentist
There are countless children (and adults) that do not enjoy going to the dentist. Sometimes this can be solved with something as simple as just easing into it. We are happy to let kids come in and meet the team, have a quick visit, and take things one step at a time.
At EP Dentistry 4 Kids, a lot of our staff have children, and it reflects in how we treat our patients and make decisions. Every patient I see, I treat them as if they were my own child, which has served me well. A lot of parents ask what I would do if it were my kid, and I try to channel that into every appointment.
Everywhere the child goes in the office, the parent can go. We feel that puts a lot of parents and children at ease and makes the experience a lot more enjoyable for everyone.
4. Appointments Outside Normal Checkups Are Sometimes Necessary
Consistent pain in the gums or mouth is a concern and reason to bring your child in for an appointment. Additionally, noticing any abnormalities like bumps or ulcers in their mouth would be another reason to bring them in.
Maintaining a regular checkup schedule can prevent most issues before they develop. But accidents happen, and we are always a phone call away.
5. Diet is Important
Milk is obviously great for a child’s development. However, we do not want to let babies sleep with a bottle. If the baby still has a bedtime milk feeding after teeth erupt, be sure to brush before bed. My youngest son liked a bottle at night. As he got a little older, we switched from milk to water to protect his teeth.
It is better for our teeth if we have defined snack and mealtimes, less grazing all day. High carb foods, like crackers, will cause cavities just as much as sugar. It is hard to be the “bad guy” dentist and say do not eat candy, but I just suggest eating it in moderation and cleaning well after. I eat candy. I just make sure I floss and ensure my teeth are extra clean afterward.
About our Guest Blogger
Dr. Brandi Tiner is a dentist at EP Dentistry 4 Kids and a mom of 6. EP Dentistry 4 Kids is proud to have been voted Best Dentist since 2016. Serving the El Paso Community with locations in West, East, and Northeast El Paso. Find EP Dentistry 4 Kids online at epd4k.com.
