Local Dental Care - Signs Of Teething In Baby

Facts About Dental Fluoride

We have all received the benefit that fluoride offers in preventing tooth decay. The following facts will provide you with information to assure that your child's teeth receive the optimum amount of fluoride.

• Fluoride strengthens the outer layer of enamel, making teeth more resistant to the acid attack of decay-causing bacteria. It can be of benefit not only when the teeth are forming, but also after they have erupted (come in).
• Primary (baby) teeth begin to develop at six weeks during pregnancy. Fluoride supplements for mom during her pregnancy do not benefit baby's developing teeth. Only tiny amounts of fluoride are found in breast milk.
• Well water may contain large amounts of fluoride. Before giving your child fluoride supplements, have your well water tested for fluoride content. Fluoride sticks to the sides of glass containers. Use a plastic container for an accurate test result.
• Bottled water may also contain significant amounts of fluoride. The amount of fluoride will vary with the season of the year, the water table, and the plant from which the water was obtained.
• Juices, tea, and soft drinks may contain fluoride. White grape juice has the highest concentration of fluoride. Fish and chicken baby food may also provide fluoride.
• Do not assume that your home water filter system removes all fluoride. The age of the system and the filter may have a significant effect on your fluoride level. Have your water tested before giving your child a fluoride supplement.
• Do not use fluoridated toothpaste before two years of age. Dispense only a dab the size of a match head for children under five. Children's toothpaste has the same amount of fluoride as the adult brands.
• If your home water supply is not fluoridated, the water at school, daycare, or the caregiver's home may be optimally fluoridated.
• Your physician or pediatric dentist may prescribe a fluoride supplement. Once the chewable tablet is begun, fluoride and vitamins should be taken separately. Vitamins work best with food, and fluoride is best absorbed from an empty stomach. Fluoride tablets should be taken at bedtime after the teeth are brushed. Chew, swish, and swallow.
• There are many sources of fluoride other than your home water supply. When considering a fluoride supplement for your child, remember your fluoride facts!

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.

A Kid's Dentist Explains Dental Visits

Parents often feel helpless when a son or daughter is fearful or apprehensive regarding a trip to the pediatric dentist. Talk with your dentist about your concerns. A partnership must exist between the parent and the dentist. Your own attitudes and understanding of what will occur during each visit will greatly influence the outcome of your child's visit. The following information will assist you in helping your child toward a comfortable and successful visit to the dentist.

Schedule a morning appointment. Children are more rested in the morning, and morning appointments usually have less waiting time. If your child is in school, he or she may worry all day about the appointment and will be tired after school.

Do not promise an expensive present if your child is well-behaved. Your little one may assume that he is about to do something very difficult. A surprise waiting to be given just after the visit may be more appropriate. Do not tell your child to be brave or that nothing will hurt. The idea that seeing the dentist requires being brave or that something might hurt may have never occurred to the child.

During any waiting time, sit close beside your child and read him a story. This not only provides distraction, but also places a child in a more relaxed frame of mind. Free play should be avoided.

If your child is scheduled for restorations (fillings), say as little as possible regarding the events of the visit. Your tone of voice and body language could accidentally create a sense of fear or apprehension in an unsuspecting child. The parent who is more comfortable with dental treatment should do the talking. Allow your dentist to use his or her experience to determine how much your child should be told just prior to the procedure.

If local anesthesia (a shot to numb the teeth) is to be used, do not discuss this issue with your child before the visit. The most feared part of the visit is usually the injection. In some cases, the use of local anesthesia may not be necessary. Do not attempt to predict what your dentist will do. If your child asks about the need for a shot, answer saying that you do not know. Most injections are performed painlessly with the child unaware of the occurrence. A child who comes to the office already intensely worried about the shot is much more difficult to calm.

Your expectations of your child's ability to cooperate for a dental procedure must be age-appropriate. By four years of age, an emotionally and physically healthy child should be able to separate from his parent for an examination and possibly treatment. Dentists have varying opinions as to whether or not a parent should be present for treatment. Some parents are reluctant to separate from the child, and others prefer not to accompany the child for treatment. Parents should agree with the philosophy of their kid's dentist.

Only one parent should accompany the child for the visit. The parent who is more comfortable with dental visits should be the choice. Consistency is very important. The dentist, child, and parent function as a team. The rules must stay the same. If the visit went well with Dad, he should be the parent who accompanies the child for every visit. Apprehensive or fearful children generally do better with Dad. Mom may be a little more emotional and more anxious regarding the treatment. However, this is not always the case. You are the expert for your child's emotional well-being. You should decide who would be the better choice for this particular experience.

If you are present for treatment, you should be the kid's dentist silent partner. You may pat your child or offer some words of support or praise, but remain calm and quiet. Do not repeat the dentist's requests of your child and do not raise your voice at any time. The dentist will manage the behavior. The dentist's attention should not be divided between you and your child, and your child's attention should not be divided between you and the dentist. A minor operation is being performed. The kid's dentist must concentrate not only on the procedure but also on managing your child's behavior. Try not to distract him or her.

Some children will attempt to manipulate their parents during treatment. If your child is crying, listen to the sound of the crying. Compensatory crying often occurs. The child is not in discomfort, but is just coping by crying. Parents may become the court of appeals. The child constantly attempts to delay treatment by reaching out for a hug. If both you and your dentist believe your child is capable of undergoing treatment, you must provide tough love at this time. If your child will not cooperate with you present, your dentist may ask you to leave the treatment room. Leave your car keys with your little one, so he knows you are not leaving the office. Assure him that you will be close by.

If you do not plan to be present during treatment, separate from your child in the reception room and not after she is seated in the dental chair.

Parental love must permit children to move toward independence. A parent's permitting his or her child, age four or older, to undergo treatment without the parent present sends two messages. First, "It is ok. I really do not need to be right beside you for this." Secondly, "You can do it! I have confidence in you." This child has been given a sense of empowerment.

The limitations and strengths of each child must be recognized. By sharing with your dentist in the proper preparation and guidance, both you and your child can begin to look forward to that next dental visit!

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.