When should be your child's first visit to the dentist?
The first "regular" visit should be just after your child's first birthday. The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. We may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination. You may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.
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We will gently examine your child's teeth and gums. An X-ray may be taken (to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child's permanent teeth under the gums). We may clean your child's teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most important of all, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child's teeth.
What should I tell my child during the first dental visit?
We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. Your child's reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.
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Here are some "first visit" tips:
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Take your child for a "preview" of the office
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Read books with them about going to the dentist
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Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit
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Speak positively about your own dental experience
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During your child's first visit, the dentist will:
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Examine your child's mouth, teeth, and gums
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Evaluate your child's adverse habits like thumb sucking
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Check to see if your child needs flouride
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Teach your child about cleaning the teeth and gums
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Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits
What about preventative care?
Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand in hand. At our office, we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest in dental sealant technology to protect your child's teeth. Dental sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child's lifetime of good oral health.
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For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, dental implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gum, gradually bonding with the jaw bone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
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After the dental implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. Dr. Baysa can then start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The replacement teeth are then made over the posts or attachments.
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The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruptions in their daily lives.
What is cavity prevention?
Most of the time cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing. Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly, of course, can help. The longer it takes your child to chew their food and the longer the residue stays on their teeth, the greater the chances of getting cavities.
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Every time someone eats, an acid reaction occurs inside their mouth as the bacteria digests the sugars. This reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes. During this time the acid environment can destroy the tooth structure, eventually leading to cavities.
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Consistency of a person's saliva also makes a difference; thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. When a person eats diets high in carbohydrates and sugar, they tend to have thicker saliva, which in turn allows more of the acid-producing bacteria that can cause cavities.
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Tips for cavity prevention:
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Limit the frequency of meals and snacks
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Encourage brushing, flossing, and rinsing
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Watch what your child drinks
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Avoid giving your child sticky foods
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Make treats part of meals
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Choose nutritious snacks
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The first baby teeth that come into the mouth are the two bottom front teeth. You will notice this when your baby is about 6-8 months old. Next to follow will be the four upper front teeth, and the remainder of your baby's teeth will appear periodically. They will usually appear in pairs along the sides of the jaw until the child is about 2 1/2 years old.
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At around 2 1/2 years old your child should have all 20 teeth. Between the ages of 5 and 6, the first permanent teeth will begin to erupt. Some of the permanent teeth replace baby teeth and some don't. Don't worry if some teeth are a few months early or late as all children are different.
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Baby teeth are important as they not only hold space for permanent teeth but they are important to chewing, biting, speech, and appearance. For this reason, it is important to maintain your child's healthy diet and daily hygiene.
Need help with any dental concerns? Talk to us.
