In each child, milestones are a mystery, and you can’t truly be sure when they will hit certain ones. One milestone is getting their first tooth. Newly erupted teeth generally appear between the ages of 6 to 12 months until the child has a total of 20 primary teeth. Once your child starts getting teeth, it is important to help maintain these teeth at home as your child’s oral health is key to their overall health. Even though these teeth will eventually fall out, it is necessary to take care of them as they are needed for eating, speaking, and they keep space in the jaw for adult teeth.
At home, there are many things you can do to care for your child’s baby teeth including:
- Clean their teeth- For infants, wipe their gums with a wet cloth. When the child gets a little older, they can use a toothbrush and toothpaste to brush 2x a day.
- Clean between teeth- This includes flossing every day to prevent cavities.
- Watch child’s diet- Limit sugary foods and drinks.
- Be a leader- Let your children watch you brush and floss.
- Visit a dentist- Start bringing your children in for regular dental cleanings.
How To Prepare Your Children
You should see a children’s dentist when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday to prevent dental problems and depending on the dentist’s recommendations. During dental exams, the dentist will be able to clean the teeth and ensure there aren’t any problems with tooth development or oral health. Bringing your children into a dental office at a young age will set them up for success as an adult as they become more comfortable, decreasing anxiety later in life.
Some ways you can prepare your child for the dentist include:
- Visit the dental office- Before your child gets a dental exam, take a tour of the office with them as this will allow your child to become more familiar with the building, children’s dentist, and the environment as a whole.
- Drive by the office- While you are driving by the office, point it out and tell them about what you like about going to the dentist. Ask them what they like about the dentist.
- Read books- There are plenty of children’s stories that discuss going to the dentist and what to expect. This is a great way to get your child familiar with the tools and procedures and may help calm their fears and anxiety. Stories also help reinforce that dentists are community helpers that are working to keep them strong and healthy.
- Schedule at an appropriate time- Don’t schedule an appointment during nap time as your child may be fussy and have a negative experience.
- Eat a light meal- Eating a light meal before going to see the dentist ensures your child will not be hungry and fussy.
- Find a distraction- You can provide your child with a small toy or something they can fidget with to distract them from what is happening inside their mouth.
- Use positive language- When you are talking about the dentist make it sound fun and exciting. If you fear the dentist, don’t show your fear as children will catch on.
- Do something fun after- Go to the park or to the store for a reward for doing a good job!
Contact Us
At Saratoga Family Dentistry, serving the Saratoga Springs, NY area, we are a children’s dentist that can serve patients of all ages. If you want to ensure a healthy beginning and to begin building good oral habits, bring your children to our dental office. We offer quality dental exams and cleaning, as well as tooth fillings and extractions, emergency services, and more in a safe and friendly atmosphere. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment for your child.
