The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend that the child's first dental visit be at the time of their first birthday. Most parents feel that this is too early, but our goal is to prevent adverse dental conditions before they occur. This visit is intended to educate the parent on proper oral hygiene and dental development as well as serve as a time to examine your child's oral cavity for any pathology. When cavities or minor irregularities are detected early, the procedures necessary for treatment are less invasive and more easily tolerated by the child.
We will examine your child's mouth, lips, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, tonsil area, and hard and soft palates. We will also check the growth and development of the head, and check the teeth and gums. If old enough, the child will receive a thorough cleaning and topical fluoride treatment, and X-rays if necessary.
We will evaluate any tongue, lip, cheek, or thumb habit that may adversely affect the development of the teeth. We will also examine your child to see how active his or her oral bacteria are at producing dental disease. After this has been completed, there will be a consultation during which we will present our findings and recommendations.
Preparing Your Child
It is important to establish good feelings about "going to the dentist". We work hard to make your child's dental treatment as pleasant as possible and we emphasize the positive aspects of regular dental care and a healthy mouth. If your child is afraid of going to the dentist, be reassuring. Our office does not allow words like hurt, shot, nervous, scary, or blood to be used in our office and ask that you please do the same. Explain to your child that the dentist only wants to be a friend and to help care for his or her teeth. Young children often cry when faced with unfamiliar situations. Working together, we can overcome any uneasiness your child may have. If you think that a tour of our office before your child's appointment will help ease his or her feeling's, please feel free to set up a tour with our office manager.
The Importance of Baby Teeth
Often parents don't think primary (baby) teeth are important since they are lost anyway. But primary teeth need the same care as permanent teeth for chewing, good speech, appearance, and space maintenance for the permanent teeth. They also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is a very important part in the health of your child. Proper brushing and flossing is key to helping prevent decay and has a significant influence on the formation of cavities. After the first visit, an oral hygiene examination and cleaning is scheduled twice yearly and is of the utmost importance in maintaining good dental health. If you have any questions on the oral health of your child, please do not hesitate to call our office.
Digital X-Rays
Looking at the teeth alone without X-rays misses over 60% of dental decay. Generally, cavity-detecting X-rays are made every six months. An X-ray of the complete mouth is usually required between ages 5 and 7 to check for proper growth and analyze surrounding structures. Another X-ray is taken between ages 9 and 12 to check the development of your child's wisdom teeth and for potential orthodontic evaluation. Dr. Baker's office only uses Digital X-rays, which allows for less radiation, quicker image results, and clearer, more diagnostic X-rays.
Fluoride
The tooth is made more resistant to decay by the use of fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral like calcium or sodium. When used on a tooth, it makes the enamel more decay resistant. The best way to do this is by drinking flouridate water and recieving flouride applications every six months by Dr. Baker.