Pediatric Dentistry

Your Child’s First Visit

Dr. Birckhead & Dr. Powers begin seeing children when they are 3 years old. Their first visit with the dentist will be quick because very little treatment is required. While visiting, parents may be asked to sit and hold their child while the exam is being performed. Along with that, parents will also be asked to wait in the reception area for a short period of time. This will help build a relationship with your child.

The dentist will gently check your child’s gums and teeth during their first visit. They will take x-rays to check the progress of your child’s teeth and to ensure that no decay is present. They may clean your child’s teeth, which is another process that is involved in pediatric dentistry. Once that is done, they will apply a topical fluoride to help prevent tooth decay.

Discussing the First Dental Visit with Your Child

Many parents wonder what they should say to their child about pediatric dentistry. Their reaction to their first visit is likely to surprise you. You should prepare them for pediatric dentistry the same way that you would for their first time getting a haircut.

Tips to Prepare Your Child for their First Visit:

Read stories to them about pediatric dentistry.

• Explain to them what will happen during their first visit
• Speak to them about pediatric dentistry in a positive way.

What Will Happen During the First Visit?

• The dentist will examine your child’s teeth and gums.

• Thumb sucking and other adverse habits will be evaluated.
• The dentist will decide whether or not your child needs fluoride.
• The hygienist will teach you about the importance of cleaning and caring for your child’s mouth.
• A schedule will be created for regular dental visits

Cavity Prevention
Most cavities occur from consumption of foods that are high in sugar. One of the best ways to prevent cavities is by limiting sugar intake. Along with that, cavities also happen due to a lack of brushing. Therefore, it is essential that you teach your children to brush their teeth regularly.

A person’s saliva also plays a role in cavities. Thinner saliva tends to wash away food more quickly than thicker saliva. Thicker saliva comes from eating a diet that is high in sugars and carbohydrates. This allows acid-producing bacteria to stick around for longer, which causes cavities.

Cavity Prevention Tips

• Encourage your child to brush and floss their teeth.
• Avoid consuming foods that are sticky.
• Avoid consuming sugary drinks.
• Eat snacks that are nutritious.

When your baby is six to eight months old, their bottom two front teeth will come in. After that, their four upper front teeth will start to appear. By the time they are two and a half years old, they will have all 20 teeth.

Around five to six years old, their permanent teeth will start to come in. Keep in mind that all children are different. It is okay if your child’s teeth are early or late. This is normal for pediatric dentistry.