Family Dentistry

Having your child visit the dentist is a great idea. The American Dental Association recommends that kids get their first dental visit around the time their first tooth erupts. This is the perfect time to set up good oral health habits that will carry over into their adult years.
First-time visits can be stressful for parents and children alike. Parents should remain as relaxed as possible during this time. The child will feel more at ease by making the experience fun and upbeat. Moreover, your presence can help provide moral support and comfort.
Your first visit will involve a quick examination of the child's mouth and teeth. The professional will look for any signs of cavities, gingivitis, and other problems. They may also perform a gentle cleaning. If there are any abnormalities found, your child will be scheduled for an appointment at a later date.
In addition to the routine examination, the dentist will check for frenum and jaw issues in addition to the standard review. These can be a sign of future health problems.
Your child should be in good spirits for the first visit. To help your child feel at ease, ensure they are fed a light meal before the appointment.
The dentist will likely have your child sit in the chair with you for the exam. This will make it easier for the hygienist to examine the teeth. It is a good idea to bring a book or to have your child watch a video about the dental office.

A variety of dental services are offered for your children, and they don't have to be limited to emergency care. The Affordable Care Act has required insurance companies to provide dental benefits for children up to age 19. There are options for cost savings if your family doesn't qualify for Medicaid.
Dental x-rays can be a great way to find cavities that aren't visible to the naked eye. They can also help detect alignment issues with your child's permanent teeth.
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. Your dentist can apply it or take it in supplement form. Many public water systems add fluoride to the water supply.
A dental cleaning can prevent tartar from building up on your teeth. Getting your kids checked out every six months is a good idea. Your kids' dental appointments are a great time to learn about proper oral hygiene.
Another type of treatment your kids might benefit from is a fluoride varnish. A professional application can give your kids a potent dose of fluoride.
Some states offer free or low-cost dental care to children with extensive needs. These services include dental cleanings, fillings, and tooth extractions.
Other services your children might benefit from include dental sealants. This technology bonds a plastic substance into the deep grooves of your child's teeth.

Many factors affect the timing of when baby teeth come in. However, the average time from birth to eruption is around six months. Some babies have their teeth appear as early as three months.
One of the essential functions of a baby's teeth is to protect the space for forming the permanent set. The development of the baby's first set of teeth is a milestone and is usually accompanied by pain. Parents can relieve this discomfort by massaging the gums and giving their babies a cold, wet washcloth.
Other benefits of having a baby's first set of teeth include helping to attain good nutrition and developing clear speech. Teeth are also helpful in the development of good hygiene habits.
Baby teeth are characterized by their wavy edges and smooth finish. As the teeth are used, the advantages become more defined.
There are four primary molars. Each one has a small, sharp tip on the end, making them helpful in chewing and tearing food apart. They are also known as molars and erupt at a reasonably fast rate.
In addition, there are two types of front teeth. These include the lateral incisors and the central incisors. Lateral incisors will erupt between 10 and 16 months, while the central eyeteeth will explode at a later age.
Another crucial dental development involves the lower canines. These "pointy" teeth are part of the deciduous set of baby teeth. Their role is to fill in gaps between the incisors and the first molars.

The timing of when a child loses their teeth can be critical. For instance, if you have a child that has a wiggly or missing second molar, you may have to take them to an orthodontist for a second opinion.
However, there is no hard and fast rule when a child's baby teeth fall out. This is not to say that you should not keep an eye out for their development. You should note the schedule of tooth loss and discuss it with your dentist.
Usually, the lateral incisors will loosen first. It's not uncommon for children to lose their first tooth around six years of age. A loose lateral incisor can be a pain to chew on, so it's best to let it go in its own time.
In some cases, the dentist will need to remove a tooth, but most will fall out on their own. To keep the gums clean, parents should brush their child's teeth twice daily and floss regularly. Some kids experience much pain during this time so over-the-counter pain medication can be helpful.
A child's tooth loss is a fascinating time. The tooth fairy appears during this period, so you might even look forward to it.
While at it, take the time to learn a little about your child's oral health. There are many reasons for baby teeth to fall out, including decay, accidents, and permanent over-crowding teeth.

Toothaches in children can be annoying, but they are also a sign of a dental problem. If your child is experiencing a toothache, you'll need to get it treated as soon as possible. You can treat the pain with various methods, from over-the-counter medication to simple home remedies.
The most common causes of toothaches in kids are cavities and gum disease. Brushing and flossing daily can help keep teeth healthy. Additionally, a diet low in sugar is another way to prevent cavities.
Other causes of tooth pain include sinus infection, teething, and injuries. For those cases, you may need to visit your pediatrician.
While there, you can use a cold compress to numb the painful area and reduce swelling. A warm salt water rinse can also soothe the pain.
An ibuprofen product or an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory will also help alleviate the pain. But remember to follow the prescription's directions. Kids need the right amount of the drug for its intended purpose, or it could cause unwanted side effects.
Another thing to try is to rinse your child's mouth with warm water and salt. This will help numb the pain and keep your child's teeth clean.
You can also try using an ice pack to ease the pain. Ice packs work well for numbing painful areas, and they also help to decrease swelling. Just rinse the ice off the face after a few minutes.