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Dental care begins soon after birth.
After each feeding, gently wipe the baby’s gums with a soft damp cloth. Teething is the next step. To help soothe the baby, a cool teething ring can be a big help. When the teeth first appear, they should be cleaned daily with a children’s soft toothbrush.
This prepares the child for their first dental visit. He or she will be getting used to someone cleaning their teeth. It’s okay if the baby wants to chew on the toothbrush to soothe the teething soreness.
Some babies actually prefer it over the teething ring. Be sure to check the toothbrush for breakdown of the bristles; and, if so, replace it. One common problem is “baby bottle tooth decay.” This occurs when the baby is given a bottle with milk, formulae, juices, soda or a pacifier dipped in honey, juice or soda. Constant contact with a high sugar content should be avoided. Only a bottle with water should be given to the baby to fall asleep.
The eruption of baby teeth occurs between 6 months and 3 years old. At 5, the first adult tooth, a molar, will emerge.
Up to the age of 5 or 6, an adult should still brush the child’s teeth.
As the child’s independence develops, try to ‘check the good brushing job” by going over it all once again. It is easiest if you stand behind the child, placing your hand over theirs and brush their teeth as if they were your own. It is important to maintain the baby teeth because they guide the permanent teeth into their proper position.
A child’s first visit to a dentist should be no later than 3 years old, and should be a happy experience.
Merely tell the child the dentist is going to count their teeth with a tooth counter (mirror and explorer), polish their teeth with t tooth tickler, and place a special-flavored sauce on their teeth to make them really strong (fluoride).
For one, never say the H-word: “Hurt,” as in “It won’t hurt.” Try to put the visit in a very positive perspective.
Then maintain their dental health with 6-month maintenance visits.
One way to prevent cavities in the future is to have sealants placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Sealants are a hard composite flowed and bonded into the grooves of the teeth. This blocks bacteria from getting into the grooves and starting decay. Most sealants last about two years or longer, depending on wear, and may need to be reapplied. Also, keep away from fruit roll-ups, gummy-bears, raisin, fruity chewy snacks and any other sticky high sugar foods.
To better educate the children in our community to the needs of preventive dentistry, Dr. Joseph P Graskemper, The Bellport Village Dentist, is providing a Kids Helping Kids Special. That includes cleaning, examination, fluoride treatment, and all necessary X-rays for children ages 3 to 12 for less than ½ the regular fees:
It amounts to $100 (normally $430), or an insurance form. Dr. Graskemper will donate $2 to the Kiwanis of Patchogue Children’s Fund to help needy children in our area (good till February 28, 2022). An In Office Plan is available. Call The Bellport Village Dentist at 631-286-4243 for more information. An In-Office Plan is available.
This information has been written and provided by Dr. Joseph P Graskemper, The Bellport Village Dentist.
