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Our pediatric specialists and staff love children and are specially trained to put them at ease. We will teach your children the proper way to take care of their teeth, and they will learn that going to the dentist can be fun.
What is a Pediatric Dentist (Pedodontist)?
In the same way that pediatricians are trained to meet a child's medical needs, our pediatric dental specialists are uniquely qualified to protect your child's oral health by using the most advanced techniques. Pediatric dentists have an additional 2 years of training at university pediatric facilities in addition to 4 years of dental school and 4 years of college study. Some pediatric dentists (including Dr. Cariann Champagne) practice general dentistry before specializing, giving them a unique perspective. They learn how to manage the behavioral aspects of children, how to make them feel comfortable, and how to make the experience pleasant.
What dental problems could my child have?
Some dental problems begin very early in life. One concern is baby bottle tooth decay (now called early childhood caries), which is a serious condition partly caused by a child staying on the bottle (or breast) too long. Another problem is gum disease. About 40% of children 2-3 years old have at least mild inflammation of the gum tissues. Oral habits (such as thumb-sucking) should also be addresses. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chances of preventing such problems.
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Why are baby teeth so important?
Primary teeth are important because they help with proper chewing and eating, help in speech development, and add to an attractive appearance. A child who can chew easily, speak clearly and smile confidently is a happier child. Healthy primary teeth allow normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. They also save space for the permanent teeth by guiding them into position. If a baby tooth is lost too soon, permanent teeth may come in crooked. Decayed baby teeth can also cause pain and infection, which can damage the permanent teeth.
When do baby teeth fall out?
Primary teeth fall out at different times. The first couple of teeth to exfoliate are generally the front lower two teeth. These incisors fall out at approximately 6 years of age. The next teeth to fall out include the upper front teeth about 1 year later, followed by the remaining incisors and canines over the next couple of years. The molars began to exfoliate at approximately age 10-11. The remaining primary molars continue to fall out until age 14. Remember that because all children are different, the exact age for tooth exfoliation will vary. |
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What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?
We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way that you would before their first hair-cut. This will be a new experience, but it will not be the frightening experience you may remember from your youth. If you are nervous about the trip, then the less you say the better. You cannot hide your anxiety from a child because they can sense and feed off your emotions.
You can tell your child that the dentist will gently count and brush their teeth. Reassure your child that visiting the dentist is fun. You can also read one of several children’s books about going to the dentist.
What about preventative care?
We are very concerned with all aspects of preventive care. At each visit, we will address your child’s oral hygiene. We will review brushing and flossing techniques with you and your child. We also use the latest in sealant technology to protect your child's teeth. A sealant is a plastic type of material that is bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay prone teeth. Such procedures and education will help establish the foundation for your child's lifetime of good oral health.
What about sterilization?
Your health and peace of mind are always our primary concern. Therefore, we use state-of-the-art sterilization procedures. After each patient's visit, the treatment area is thoroughly disinfected. We ultrasonically clean and heat-sterilize all non-disposable instruments. Our staff wears gloves and masks during procedures. Please feel free to ask us for information on the measures we take to ensure the safety of you and your children.
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