A pedodonist is a dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry. In other words, they have undergone postgraduate training in working with children and are familiar with oral conditions that are common to children. Their equipment is suitable for children and they are experienced in making the treatment easy and fun for children.
Mouthwash for Children
Mouthwash should only be used by children who are aged six or over. This is because younger children tend to swallow the mouthwash instead of spitting it out. Even those children who are over the age of six need some amount of supervision while they master the technique of gargling with the mouthwash. Most mouthwashes contain alcohol and fluoride, giving them a strong taste. While fluoride is necessary, too much of it causes damage to teeth that are still developing. However, mouthwash that is made for children contains very little alcohol and is available at all leading pharmacies and supermarkets.
Your Child’s Diet
Children have the highest risk of developing cavities. This is because they eat more frequently and still learning how to brush their teeth effectively. So it absolutely crucial that their teeth are brushed properly with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day. More importantly, it is necessary to give them healthy snacks that have a good portion of fruits and vegetables. This helps in keeping their teeth free from cavities. Keeping your child away from sugary foods and drinks is important for healthy teeth. Make sure to keep track of your child’s toothbrush and replace it when it begins to show wear or once every two months.
Teeth Development in Babies
Your baby’s front four teeth are the first to appear and they appear between six months and one year of age. Typically, two teeth appear on the top and two teeth appear on the bottom. This stage, known as teething, is often accompanies by tender gums that appear red or swollen. Ask us on how to relieve your baby’s discomfort.
At around three years of age, your child will have a complete set of 20 primary teeth. It is crucial that you take care of these first teeth, even though they will be replaced by permanent teeth later on. This is mainly because your child’s primary teeth hold spaces for permanent teeth and if the baby tooth is broken or lost, then permanent tooth will come out crooked.
Around the age of six, your child will start losing primary teeth. The process of permanent teeth replacement goes on till the age of twelve or thirteen. Around the age of sixteen, your child will start getting wisdom teeth and eventually will have a complete set of 32 permanent teeth. In certain children, wisdom teeth eruption is delayed till they are well past their teen age.
Your Child’s teeth
A healthy set of teeth are key to a happy childhood. Kids need their need for chewing, speaking clearly and for flaunting a bright smile. Technological advances have ensured that today’s children will grow up with strong and healthy teeth. Still, a parent has a big role to play in their child’s dental health because good oral care begins with the parent. Children need to be kept enthusiastic about caring for their teeth. Do remember to set a good example for your children by taking them to a dentist regularly. Always praise your child for clean teeth and a happy smile.
Basics of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontics will help in keeping your mouth healthy. Orthodontic treatments like braces help move teeth that are crooked or have a misfit with each other. By fixing these problems, orthodontics can also help keep your mouth healthy. This is because crooked teeth are harder to clean and wash and this puts you at risk for cavities and gum disease.
At Smile Concepts, we use x-rays and other tools to decide if orthodontic treatments are right for you or for your child. Treatments with braces work best between the ages 10 and 14. This is when a child's head and mouth are still growing and teeth are easier to straighten. Even so, patients are able to get braces at any age. In fact, more and more adults are getting braces to embrace good oral health and improved appearance.
Six steps to follow before taking your child to the dentist!
I have a special interest in children's dentistry and recommend taking the following steps before your first visit to the dentist:
Talk honestly with your child in a positive and easy tone about going to the dentist before your dental visit.
Bring your child to the dental appointment to familiarise with the sight and sounds of the office.
Let your child sit in the dental chair and see the instruments the dentist will use to examine their teeth.
Give the child an opportunity to ask questions and answer any questions as truthfully as possible.
Use clever fun words to de-mystify the examination process. For example, say teeth are getting "counted" rather than examined, or that teeth are being "tickled" when they are been checked, cleaned or polished. Needles are not the favourite thing of anyone, but "putting teeth asleep" will help to avoid any associated pain. This will prepare your child for the visit in a less scary and clinical manner.
Never tell your child that "it won't hurt" or "I had bad experience and hate dentists". While you do not want to create an association between going to the dentist and pain, you certainly do not want to mislead your child into thinking that there will not be same possibility for discomfort. Be truthful and don't gloss over that fact that some procedure may be uncomfortable.