Free Medical Articles

Regular dental check-ups are an essential part of your child's overall health care. It is important to ensure that going to the dentist is a positive experience for your child from an early age.

 

Most dentists suggest that children start their visits from the age of about two-and-a-half years. This is because toddlers usually have a full set of baby teeth by then. However, if you have any concerns about your child's teeth or gums before this age, don't hesitate to consult a dentist

 

Fear  of  the  dentist

Thankfully, being frightened to go to the dentist is becoming less common. This is mainly due to falling levels of tooth decay in recent years, which has meant fewer children requiring treatment at an early age. Consequently, visits to the dentist are much less traumatic than in the past. Indeed, many young children positively enjoy the experience.

 

If you don't mind dental checks, taking your child to the dentist with you - even before she needs check­ups - can be a very positive move.

 

Parents are not always so relaxed about visiting the dentist, perhaps because they had bad experiences as children themselves. Children are very sensitive to a parent's anxieties, so

if you do have any fears, try to avoid showing them. Alternatively, find someone else to take your child.

 

Making it fun

One of the other factors making children's visits to the dentist more acceptable is the way in which some dentists approach the check-ups. Rather than beginning with an intimidating examination, they try to create a relaxed environment with some fun activities, such as a 'ride' in the chair.

 

The dentist may also give 'prizes', such as balloons or coloring sheets, to reward good behaviour.

 

Making it fun

One of the other factors making children’s visits to the dentist more acceptable is the way in which some dentist approach the check-ups.  Rather than beginning with an intimidating examination, they try to create a relaxed environment with some fun activities, such as a ride in the chair. The dentist may also give prizes such as balloons or colouring sheets, to reward good behaviour.

 

Dental Milestones

 

All children develop at different rates. Below is a general guide

 

       Age                                                       Tooth  Development

 

6 months                    First baby teeth usually come in - often the front upper or lower teeth.

 

 

 

2 ½ years                 There is a full set of baby teeth (also referred to as 'milk' or deciduous teeth), consisting of 20 teeth, five in each half of each jaw at the top and bottom. This includes eight front incisors, eight back molars and four canines.

 

 

 

4 – 12 years             Baby teeth begin to fallout to make way for a full set of 32 adult teeth.

 

Accidents to baby teeth

 

Most children will have their baby teeth until they are around six years old. Injuries to these teeth usually happen to toddlers, or children who are generally unsteady on their feet. A child falling and hitting his mouth on the corner of furniture is a common accident.

 

1.    lf a baby tooth is loosened in a fall, the dentist is unlikely to recommend treatment, but he will advise specific care of the affected area. The tooth may take a week or two to tighten again, and during this period your child may find a softer diet easier to eat. The dentist will show you how to keep the area around the tooth clean with cotton buds. If the tooth is knocked out of position, the chances are that it will go back into position by itself, but do go back to the dentist again if it doesn't. 

2.   If a baby tooth is knocked back into the gum, the dentist may X-ray your child's mouth to assess exactly what has happened. Remarkably, the tooth will usually grow back into place over a number of weeks or possibly months. Until this time, the dentist will probably recommend that your child has a diet of soft food and that the affected area is carefully cleaned. He may ask to see your child again sooner than usual to check the tooth's development. 

3.   If the tooth is completely knocked out, attempt to find it and take the tooth and your child to the dentist. Carry the tooth in a container with some milk, which will give it a better chance of survival. (If your child has swallowed the tooth, you must take your child to the dentist or a hospital casualty unit.) Don't attempt to put the baby tooth back into the socket as it might harm the developing adult tooth.

 

If your child is particularly nervous, find a sympathetic dentist. One of the best ways of finding a child-friendly dentist is by word of mouth. It may also help your child if you talk to her about what she might expect to happen at the dentist's. In addition, taking a cuddly toy can be useful as it provides comfort for your child.

 

Dentists skilled in dealing with children will use gradual techniques to persuade a child to allow an examination and treatment, each visit building on the previous one. The first check-up might even start in a completely non-clinical environment, such as a play area or waiting room.

 

The dentist will advise on the most appropriate interval between check-ups. Usually this will be at least six months but it will depend on the needs of your child and the rate at which her teeth are developing.

 

For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.