Dental FAQs For Kids
St. Helens, OR
 All dental specialists go to dental school, receive four years of education, and continue their education with several years of specialized training. During that training period, the pediatric dentists gain wide-ranging knowledge and expertise in treating infants, adolescents, and children. This also includes children who have special health needs. It is part of the job of our pediatric dentist to enjoy working with children while bringing their expertise to each patient in child development and behavior. Here at St. Helens Pediatric Dentistry, you will find that our staff is highly qualified. We provide a friendly and comfortable environment for your children.
First Visit To The Dentist
Your child’s first visit to the dentist is usually short and simple. It is designed for you and your child to get to know us, and for our staff to build a bond with your child for a better understanding. It allows us to provide you with some information on the dental care of your child, as well as answer any questions or concerns you might have. We will take a quick peek inside your child’s mouth, evaluate the health of their teeth, and look for any potential problems with the gums and jaws.
Typically, we will provide instruction related to proper brushing and flossing, followed by a thorough cleaning with our special dental instruments. We will also provide a guide on maintaining your son’s or daughter’s teeth as they develop over time.
Why Baby Teeth Need Extra Care
Although baby teeth do not stay as long as permanent teeth do, your child’s primary teeth are essential for many reasons. Along with helping your child to eat and develop proper speech patterns, they also aid in forming a path for permanent teeth to follow when they erupt. Oral health affects more than the health of your teeth. Premature loss of baby teeth may cause the nearby teeth to occupy the available space, which can lead to misplaced or crooked permanent teeth. In addition to that, cavities in your baby teeth can cause pain and swelling that can be very uncomfortable for your child. Oral infections can also lead to other serious health problems.
When Should We Begin Using Toothpaste To Clean Our Child’s Teeth?
Once children have a few teeth, you can use a rice size amount of fluoride toothpaste on a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush to clean your baby’s teeth. Once your child becomes old enough to spit out the toothpaste, you can progress to a pea-size amount. Make sure your child always rinses and spits out toothpaste after brushing because swallowing fluoride in excess can be dangerous for very young children.
How Can My Child Avoid Cavities?
Make sure that children brush their teeth two times a day with fluoride toothpaste, and an adult should be present to supervise and ensure that every area has been reached. Flossing also plays a vital role because flossing can effectively access and clean spots between teeth that a normal brush cannot. Avoid sweet foods, drinks, and maintain a balanced diet. For professional assistance, please call St. Helens Pediatric Dentistry at (503) 396-4750 today. |
