Local Dental Care - Louisiana Teeth Grinding In Children

Pediatric Dentistry: Your Child's First Dental Visit

There are varying recommendations as to when the first pediatric dentistry visit should Pediatric Dentistry recommends that all children should have their baby teeth looked at by a pediatric dentist within six months of the eruption of the first tooth or no later than one year of age.

The American Academy of General and Pediatric Dentistry recommends between 18 and 24 months of age the child should have their baby teeth seen, unless there is an apparent problem. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a child be seen by age three, or sooner if there is a need.

Although there may not be many baby teeth to examine at one year of age, the first pediatric dentistry visit can provide parents with valuable information regarding care and prevention through education and counseling. Infants can be infected with the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Many children have decay in baby teeth by the time they are seven years old.

The infant oral health appointment will include:

• A review of the infant's diet and nutrition
• The need for fluoride supplementation considering dietary and other sources of fluoride
• Pediatric dentistry instructions for cleaning the baby teeth and gums
• Discussion regarding pacifier, finger, or other oral habits
• Injury prevention and trauma
• Oral development and normal eruption patterns
• Risk factors for decay in the child's baby teeth

Traumatic injuries to the mouth occur more often as the child progresses through crawling, walking, and running. If the first visit has already occurred, the parent has a doctor who is familiar with the child to call for emergency pediatric dentistry care.

The sooner your child is acquainted with a pediatric dentist and experiences a pediatric dentistry examination, the better for his or her overall perception of the dental visit. The child's temperament will determine how the appointment goes. Do not delay the first visit because you believe your child will not cooperate. You may be pleasantly surprised!

Make the first pediatric dentistry appointment as early in the day as possible. Toddlers are usually more rested in the morning. Try not to communicate your own fears, if any to your child. Your interpretations and expectations are different from your child's. Practice with your child's head on your lap. Depending on the age, explain how he or she should open wide, talk about the little mirror, the tooth counter, and Mr. Clean, who will make the baby teeth shine.

Avoid words such as hurt, drill, or shot. Do not expect too much from your child. The pediatric dentist will manage the behavior with age-appropriate expectations. A favorite toy or blanket can be taken with the child to hold. Some offices offer a "First Visit" videotape to be viewed at home prior to the visit. The book, Going to the Dentist, by Fred Rogers, is a great way to introduce the first visit. Here's to a wonderful first pediatric dentistry visit for your little "First Timer!"

by Jane A. Soxman, DDS

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

How Your Family Dentist Can Boost Your Child's Grades

That's right - you read that headline correctly. Regular trips to the family dentist may improve children's grades. He won't tutor them in history or teach them their times tables. In fact, he probably won't teach much of anything beyond how to brush and floss, and chances are he won't quiz them on that any time soon. Still, regular trips to the pediatric dentist could improve your child's academic experience. Do we have your attention?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children miss more than 51 million hours of school per year as a result of pediatric dental problems and related conditions. What's more, dental pain can distract students, cause their school work to suffer and lead to absences. In general, those with healthy teeth are more attentive in class, participate more in school-related activities and have better attendance. All of this spells better grades and a better all around education, thanks to regular child dental care, exams and education.

One of the most important exams your child can pass is the one performed by his or her family dentist, but you still have to do your part. Teach your child to floss once a day and brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, assuming he or she is old enough to use one. Also, a healthy diet will not only boost concentration, but result in healthier teeth and gums. Beware of frequent snacking and repeated exposure to sugary or acidic treats. Most importantly, be sure children attend their dental appointments at least twice a year. Pediatric dentists provide ongoing oral health assessments that will prevent dental conditions - not to mention school absences.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.