Pediatric Dentistry
A Child’s First Visit
When to Make the First Appointment
Our dentists suggest a child’s first visit to the dentist within 6 months of their first tooth appearing. This helps the child become more comfortable with oral examinations and provides parents the opportunity to ask questions regarding how to care for their child’s teeth as they erupt from the gums.
What to Expect at Your Welcome Visit
- Create positive associations with dental staff
- Recommend a parent to be present & hold your baby
- Dentist will check for decay and tooth eruption
- Assess lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, jaw and neck
- Discuss habits for healthy teeth
Caring for Your Child’s Teeth
Brushing your child’s teeth is just as important as your own teeth. There are many different types of brushes available for children, each suited for a different age group.
- Finger Brushes (0-9 Months)
- Safety Brushes (10-18+ Months)
- Traditional Soft Brushes (Parental Discretion: 24+ Months)
Until 3 months of age, a wet brush with tap water is sufficient; however, training toothpaste is recommended for children age 3 to 24 months. Our dentists suggest using children’s fluoride toothpaste once your child can spit or rinse their mouth without swallowing the paste.
Dental Emergencies
Accidents happen, no matter how vigilant we are with our children’s safety. If a child falls or otherwise hurts their teeth, jaw, or lip, please keep the following directions in mind. These simple steps will help direct the best situation to care for your child:
Step 1: Calmly assess jaw, lips, teeth & gums:
- Look for swelling, bleeding, broken bones, and altered teeth
Step 2: Decide if you need to call the dentist:
- A tooth has been pushed back or fallen out
- Your child has bitten through the upper or lower lip or tongue
Step 3: Decide if an Emergency Room visit is needed:
- A bone has been broken
- There are other significant injuries
Step 4: Monitor the situation from home:
- Your baby is not bleeding, but is crying
- A bruise and/or minor swelling has occurred
- No teeth have been moved or are significantly mobile
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you’ve noticed soreness, pain, or anything else making your teeth and mouth uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to give us a call and schedule an appointment. Reach out to our office by calling 574-272-0466 at your earliest convenience!