Kids dental care
Dentists are there to help families address oral health needs and teach children how to look after their dental health. We help parents to understand their child's oral health and address any anxieties so that children may enjoy a positive dental experience.
Importance of Childhood Oral Health
Before children are able to talk they are not in a position to communicate that their mouth is sore. A dentist is there to gently assess a child's oral health and help parents meet their child's dental care needs, particularly at the start of teething and as milk teeth begin to erupt. Each child needs a dental care plan to prevent tooth decay, gum inflammation and related health conditions. The oral health of children affects their food choices, desire to eat and nutritional intake. Speech development may also be impacted by a child's oral health. Receiving dental screening and care can give children the proper dental health care they need to grow into healthy young adults. .
When should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?
A child’s first dental examination should take place 6 months after the first tooth comes in or at the first birthday, whichever comes first.
Why is the first visit very important?
The initial dental visits for babies and toddlers are primarily educational for parents and have a significant long term impact on your child’s oral health.
How often should my child visit the dentist?
Academy of Paediatric Dentistry recommends a dental check-up at least twice each year for most children. A six monthly check up from the beginning will help us identify if your child is developing any dental or gums issue at early stage and hence we can help you prevent it.
How do I care for my baby's teeth at home?
My baby is teething, what care do I take?
Gently rub the gums with your finger or moistened gauze pad. Chilled teething rings or a cold washcloth give a soothing effect on the gums.
Which toothpaste can I use for my baby?
Do not use toothpaste up to 2 yrs. of age. Start cleaning your child’s teeth with a soft toothbrush and water. Use toothpaste only after child learns how to rinse and spit and that too a pea sized amount not more than that.
Why are baby teeth important?
Milk teeth play an important role in the alignment and spacing of permanent teeth. Constant chewing with milk teeth is an essential for the correct development of the jaws.
What is Nursing or Baby Bottle decay / Nursing Bottle Decay?
A dental condition that occurs in children between 12 months and 3 years of age as a result of being bottle fed at bedtime, resulting in prolonged exposure of the teeth to milk or juice. Preventive measures include elimination of bedtime feeding or substitution of water for milk or juice in the night time bottle and cleaning teeth after every night feed.
My child’s teeth seem to be maligned but she is only 7 yrs. now. Should I wait till she grows up or visit my Orthodontist (braces specialist)?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should receive an orthodontic check up by the age of 7. While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that Braces specialist can spot with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. He might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment. Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to: guideWhat can I do as a parent at my child's appointment?
Allow us to explain and describe the dental condition to your child, in his/ her language. We will use the terms and descriptions appropriate to your child’s age. As a parent you can simply tell your child that the dentist will check & count the teeth. If you accompany your child into the treatment room, be a silent partner. Let us interact directly with your child. Consider the dental appointment a Special Day. Remain calm and relaxed, before and during your child’s dental appointment. Research shows that if you are relaxed, your child will be cooperative and have a good dental experience. A positive attitude will result in a positive experience It’s very important that you get your child to us, just for a routine check-up before any decay and pain / problem starts …….so that child will develop a habit of visiting dentist regularly, and she/ he feels more secure with environment and whole experience is a pleasant one.
