Pediatric Dentistry
Children aren’t born with a natural fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. At Canton Pediatric DentistryClick to open in this tab, we strive to make their first visit to the dentist enjoyable from the moment your family arrives at our office. We make a special effort to use pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe each treatment.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that your child’s newly erupted teeth—erupting at six to 12 months of age—receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.
To make things even more fun for your little one,
Download our Dynamite Dental Fun KitClick to open in new tab to help them get excited about their smile!
When Will New Teeth Erupt?
Your child’s first primary, or “baby,” teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of six to 12 months, and will continue to erupt until about age three. During this time, your child’s gums may feel tender and sore. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend gently rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across the gums. You may also choose to make use of a teething ring.
Your child’s primary teeth are shed at various times throughout childhood. Meanwhile, permanent teeth begin erupting at age six and continue until age 21. Adults typically have 28 permanent teeth—or 32 if the wisdom teeth come in.
Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits
As your child’s teeth erupt, be sure to examine them every two weeks, looking for lines and discoloration that may be caused by decay. Remember that sugary liquids and foods can attack a new tooth, so make sure to brush their teeth after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing two times a day for optimal oral hygiene.
Brushing can be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a baby’s tooth erupts, parents should brush the tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
For children younger than two, do not use fluoride toothpaste unless advised to do so by your dentist or other healthcare professional. We suggest reviewing proper tooth brushing procedures with your child.
Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and your dentist will discuss with you the right time to start flossing your child’s teeth.
If you notice signs of decay, contact your dentistClick to open in this tab immediately.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into an acid, which can break down your teeth. Kids are especially at risk because many don’t yet have strong brushing and flossing habits. With regular cleanings, checkups, and a solid routine at home, tooth decay is highly preventable.
We recommend bringing your child in every six months for regular cleanings and checkups. During these visits, we can provide fluoride treatmentsClick to open in this tab that help strengthens their teeth and protect against cavities.
We also suggest dental sealants, which cover the deep grooves in molars, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years and will be checked at every visit to make sure they’re still doing their job.
Canton
1657 North Canton Center Road, Canton, MI 48187
frontdesk@cantonpediatricdentist.com
(734) 335-7270