Questions to ask your Pediatric Dentist
Oregon City, OR
 Parents want the best for their children, the best in social wellness, education and medical care, which includes their dental health. With so much varying information, parents may sometimes feel confused on the tips and information in caring for their children’s teeth. Working with our staff at Great Grins for KIDS - Oregon City, we are happy to guide parents and children through the path to having and maintaining lifelong dental health.
Some of the more commonly asked questions include:
What age should I start my children’s dental care?
You may be surprised to learn that dental care is a continuous, and ongoing process from the time of conception. Pregnant women need to maintain both their dental health while pregnant and also be sure to consume healthy foods that can help their fetus develop their healthy teeth. You may not see a newborn’s teeth, but they are already present and growing. As with every other part of your baby's physical development, their teeth development depends on how well you take care of yourself. Consuming necessary calcium, vitamin D, and more can make a difference.
Once your baby is here, continue thinking about their oral health. You can do this by developing a habit of cleaning their gums, and the teeth, daily. With infants, use a clean damp washcloth to daily wipe their gums with a quick swipe. This may seem simple, but you are completing two important tasks. First, you are daily thinking of their oral health, and secondly, you are helping your baby grow used to you touching their gums.
Once your baby has developed a tooth, you can then take a small toothbrush to lightly brush it, no toothpaste needed. This continues your habit and helps your baby grow accustomed to the task. After your baby has grown a few teeth, try adding a smidge of toothpaste.
We would like to see your child for their first visit at age two.
What will happen at my child’s first dental appointment?
A first dentist appointment is very important. We want your child to feel safe and comfortable. First appointments are really to help your child see, touch, and feel. We may let them see and hold tools. We want them to sit in the big chair, even if it’s just on a parent’s lap. Depending on how willing the child is, we may perform a dental cleaning and exam. We do not want them to feel traumatized, so we will do as much as they are willing and stop when they are done. We also use this time to review brushing tips and dental education with the parent. The most important step a parent can take is to help your child feel comfortable.
A child’s first visit to an Orthodontist should be around the age of seven. That may surprise some, but there are steps that can be taken to help your child’s bite as permanent teeth develop. Baby teeth may need to be removed to allow space; spacers may need to be placed to prevent shifting and more. |
