Dentistry For Children
DENTISTRY FOR CHILDREN
Toddler/Pre School Health Pack
When should I take my child for their first dental visit?
At Complete Dental we recommend having your child’s teeth checked by the time they are 3 years old. You are welcome to come in any time you have questions, concerns or just want your child to have a check up. At this visit we will give your child the best start to the dental clinic, with a gentle introduction in our clinic making it a fun experience. We will carefully check all of their teeth, monitor jaw development, record any findings, discuss tooth brushing, diet and what to expect in the coming months and years.
How many baby teeth should my child have?
By the time your child is 3 they should have all of their 20 baby teeth. Around age 6 they will lose their first baby tooth usually the lower front teeth first and their 6 year old molars that are permanent teeth come up behind their baby teeth at the back of their mouth. There is a lot of variability with baby teeth,, some 4 year olds start to get wiggly teeth.
Why is it important to look after the baby teeth don’t they just fall out?
Your child will get 20 baby teeth in the first 2 years of their life. If any of the teeth become decayed there is a higher chance that the adult teeth will decay not long after they come into their mouth. The baby teeth set up the mouth for permanent teeth that are needed for the rest of your childs life so looking after all teeth is important.
What causes decay in teeth?
Bacteria causes decay, babies are not born with this it is introduced to them usually by their mum, siblings or friends by sharing spoons drink bottles etc that have saliva on them. This bacteria feeds on sugar (fermentable carbohydrate) and the sugar produces acid which leads to tooth decay. To help limit your child being exposed to this bacteria don’t share spoons, straws drink bottles or anything with your child that will allow bacteria in your mouth to get into their mouth. This could stop them developing decay altogether.
Cleaning babies teeth
Brushing your Childs teeth twice a day is important to prevent tooth decay and to set up good brushing habits for life.
Drinks
Water is recommended as the only drink to have besides milk. Never put juice or anything high in sugar in their drink bottles, this will lead to tooth decay or erosion where the teeth dissolve over time.
Trauma
If your child falls and hits their teeth call us at Complete Dental and make an appointment to have them checked, usually no treatment is required however the teeth will need to be monitored over time.