Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two or three years of specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.
A check-up every six months is recommended in order to prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your pediatric dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit the dentist based on their personal oral health.
“First visit by first birthday” is the recommendation from the American Dental Association and Dr. Chan. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s teeth and gums and help us detect any issues [...]
Dental problems can begin early and it’s important to begin healthy habits and a prevention program as soon as possible. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (also known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Your child risks severe decay from using a bottle during naps or throughout the night or when they [...]
The sooner the better, prepare your baby for brushing by cleaning his/her mouth, gums, and tongue with gauze or a clean washcloth.
For babies: Massage the gums with an infant finger brush or washcloth just prior to the eruption of the first primary tooth. This will prepare your baby for daily dental care and may help alleviate teething discomfort. When the first tooth erupts: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush in a circular motion on all surfaces, especially along [...]
A good rule of thumb is to let them start brushing as soon as they can write their name in beautiful, cursive handwriting—usually between 6 and 7. By this time, they will then have the proper dexterity to hold the brush correctly and brush properly.
Between the age of 2-3 years old, it’s time to integrate fluoride toothpaste. You may use a small smear size amount of adult toothpaste or children’s toothpaste—though they may find the flavor of children’s toothpaste more appealing. Look for a fluoride toothpaste with the American Dental Association Seal. Just make sure children spit out and [...]
Avoid putting anything other than water in their bedtime bottle. Bottles of milk and juice left in the baby’s mouth can cause a lot of decay and damage. At-will nighttime breast-feeding should also be avoided after the first primary (baby) teeth begin to erupt.
Yes! Primary, or “baby”, teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.