Pediatric Dentistry
For a lifetime of dental health, it’s vital that your children get off to a good start. There are significant differences between the dental needs of children and adults. A pediatric dentist—a dentist specializing in the care of children and adolescents—is specially trained to recognize these needs and treat young patients accordingly.
STARTING EARLY SAVES TEETH
It is recommended that children should see a Pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or before age one. Before that, wipe your baby’s gums with a soft cloth, and brush emerging baby teeth with a soft brush, using little or no toothpaste. A young child should never be allowed to suck toothpaste off of the toothbrush and swallow it.
Even infants are susceptible to cavities. Early childhood cavities often afflict young children who nurse from a bottle at bedtime, as the sugars in milk, formula, or juice pool around teeth, causing rampant tooth decay. Never put your baby to bed with a bottle.
Even though baby teeth will be replaced by the time a child is a teenager, careful attention to your child’s dental health is vital. Problems with baby teeth, such as misalignment or decay, can damage permanent teeth before they’ve even erupted. Addressing such problems at an early stage can prevent bigger problems later on. A dental professional can also help train older children in proper brushing and flossing techniques, to help reinforce good brushing habits.
YOUR CHILD’S FIRST APPOINTMENT
A bit of preparation and attention to a few key details can put your child at ease. There are children’s books featuring trips to the dentist that may help prepare your child for the visit. The first visit is an opportunity to familiarize the child with the dentist making a preliminary examination of your child’s teeth.
Dental Professionals are trained to put children at ease and minimize any possible discomfort. If your child feels relaxed and comfortable, she will likely develop a positive association with the dentist and dental care in general.
Getting your children off to a good start with a caring, competent dental professional will set the stage for good dental care habits that can last a lifetime.
3131 Stein Boulevard
Eau Claire, WI 54701
(715) 835-7172
(800) 826-7226
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