Posted on February 28, 2010.
Pediatric Dentistry and Child Care Your child should visit the dentist by his first birthday. You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child must be informed of the visit and said that the dentist and his staff will explain all procedures and answer your questions. The least to do concerning the visit, the better. It is best to refrain from using words that might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt. Pediatric dental offices make a practice of using words that convey the same message but are pleasant and not frighten the child.
It is very important to maintain the health of primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth, or baby teeth are important for: (1) proper chewing and eating. (2) provide space for permanent teeth and guide them in the correct position, and (3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. While four incisors last till 6-7 years back teeth (cuspids and molars) are not replaced until age 10-13.
Radiographs (X rays) are a vital and necessary to your child's dental diagnostic process. Without them, certain dental conditions can and will be missed. X-rays may be needed to survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, evaluate the results of an injury, or plan orthodontic treatment. X-rays allow dentists to diagnose and treat health problems that can not be detected during a clinical examination. If dental problems are detected and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for your child and more affordable for you.
Pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of their patients to radiation. With contemporary safeguards, the amount of radiation received by a dental X-ray examination is extremely low. The risk is negligible. In fact, the dental radiographs represent a far smaller risk than an untreated dental problem. Lead body aprons and shields to protect your child. Today's equipment filters on unnecessary x-rays and restricts the X-ray beam area of interest. High-speed film and proper shielding assure that your child receives a minimum amount or exposure to radiation.
Dental Care for your child begins brushing everyday when the first tooth erupts child. A small pea fluoride toothpaste can be used after the child is old enough not to swallow. By age 4 or 5, children should be able to brush their own teeth twice a day with supervision until the age of seven to make sure they do a thorough job. However, each child is different. Your dentist can help you determine if the child has the skill level to brush properly.
Proper brushing removes plaque from the interior, exterior surfaces and chewing. When children brush their teeth instead of teaching at an angle of 45 degrees starting along the gums with a soft bristle brush in a circular motion. Brush the outer surface of each tooth, upper and lower. Repeat the same method on the inside surfaces and chewing surfaces of all teeth. Finish by brushing the tongue to help freshen breath and remove bacteria.
Flossing removes plaque between teeth where a toothbrush can not reach. Flossing should begin when any two teeth touch. You can use dental floss to the child until he or she can do it alone. Use about 18 inches of floss, winding most around the middle fingers of both hands. Hold the line slightly between thumb and forefinger. Use a C-shape and slide it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel resistance. Gently scrape the gloss on the side of the tooth. Repeat this procedure on each tooth. Do not forget the backs of the last four teeth.
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