• Your kid's first visit
• First teeth
• Brushing and flossing
• Flouride treatment
• Sealants, sealing out cavities

Your kid's first visit, what's it like?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends initial visits for children starting at age 1. Many parents often ask us, "But how will you handle my child? He/she will not cooperate at this age." We often tell our parents, please do not feel apprehensive about bringing your child in to see us. At age 1, we generally only do an initial examination which lasts only a few minutes. It is better to get an early start on a preventive program than to avoid the dentist, which may lead to minor dental problems becoming major ones down the road. Also, in most cases, decay grows slowly. Often times if the decay is caught early, there are therapies that can be used to reverse or minimize their growth.

First teeth

Usually, the front four teeth begin to appear when the baby is between 6 to 12 months. Some babies experience sore or tender gums while teething. Gently rubbing the child's gums with a clean finger or wet gauze can be soothing. A clean teething ring may also help. Contrary to common belief, fever is not normal while teething. If a fever is present, call your physician.

Most children have a full set of 20 primary (baby) teeth by age 3. Primary teeth are as important as permanent teeth - for chewing, speaking, and appearance. They also help "hold" space in the jaws for the permanent teeth.

See how you can make teething less painful for your kids?

Brushing and flossing

Brushing should actually begin before children are capable of doing it themselves. A wet cloth or gauze effectively cleans gums and removes plaque after nursing and establishes a good habit early on. Gentle brushing with a soft bristle brush begins with the first tooth and flossing, when most primary teeth are in. At six or seven, children can brush on their own, with careful supervision. And by eight or nine, they can floss on their own too. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says "a good rule of thumb is this...When children are accomplished enough in caring for their own needs that they can get up, bathe and dress themselves and comb their hair without your help - then they are ready to accept full responsibility for their mouth-cleaning program!"

Fluoride treatment

Fluoride is a natural mineral that makes your teeth strong and helps prevent cavities. Fluoride strengthen the teeth while they're still developing. That's why it works best on kids. The American Dental Association recommends fluoride treatments twice a year for you child's teeth.

Sealants, sealing out cavities

Dental sealants protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities in children are found. Made of clear or shaded plastic, sealants are painted onto the tiny grooves and depressions in the molars. By "sealing out" food and plaque, sealants reduce the risk of decay. They are quickly and painlessly applied to any baby teeth and permanent teeth that, in the dentist's opinion, are likely to have decay on the biting surface. Sealants must be checked periodically and replaced when necessary, though they generally last for several years.

What it does

• Protect normal pits and grooves on the chewing surface of back teeth
• Stop small amounts of decay from growing larger

Advantages:
Sealants are an excellent way to protect chewing surfaces of teeth from decay. They are a much better financial investment than treating decay after it has started.

Disadvantages:

Sealants are not permanent. They generally last about five years with normal wear, but can wear off or chip off earlier in certain instances. Also, sealants do not prevent decay between teeth or the onset of gum disease, so regular home care and dental visits are important.

Alternatives:

There are no appropriate alternatives to sealants. If a tooth has decay, it will need a filling or other restoration.