Child Dentistry at Dentzz Dental—Protecting Your Little One’s Teeth

The ideal time to visit a dentist for your child is six months after your child's first tooth begins to grow. This is the perfect time for the dentist to carefully examine the development of your child's jaws and teeth. Dental problems often start early, so the sooner the visit occurs, the better. Also, a dentist can provide or recommend special preventive care to safeguard against problems, such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb-sucking.

Most children are treated by general dentists. There are some ways in which parents can take care of their child’s teeth. Child dentistry is the branch of dentistry dealing with children from birth through adolescence. At Dentzz Dental we have a specific program designed to handle problems particular to children, such as dental developmental difficulties and root canals on teeth that have not fully formed.

¾    The easiest way parents can help children prevent tooth decay and cavities at school is to monitor their eating habits. For example, parents can offer their children healthy snack alternatives, such as apples, bite-size carrots or other foods that are naturally sweet, and instruct children to avoid candies, chocolate, caramels, chocolate milk and other foods that contain refined sugar. Cavity-causing organisms feed on sugar and turn it into acid, which attacks tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. Sticky, chewy candy can linger on teeth throughout the day.

¾    At school, children should rinse their mouth with water after meals, leaving their teeth free of sugar and acid. At home, encourage children to drink regular water. Use a straw when drinking colas to keep sugar away from teeth. If you purchase bottled water, be sure that it is fluoridated. Remember, bottled juices are not a good alternative due to their high sugar content. Regular dental check-ups, combined with brushing with fluoride toothpaste will help protect children's teeth.

¾    Brushing teeth after meals, regular flossing and fluoride treatments are the best ways to preventtooth decay. Children should also be supervised as they brush. A good rule of thumb is when children can dress themselves and tie their own shoes, then they are ready to brush unsupervised. Children should be supervised in proper flossing techniques until the age of 10. If you have any concerns about your child's dental health or want some tips on preventing tooth decay, ask a dentist.

Finally, parents should consider professionally-applied sealants as another way to protect children's teeth from cavities. Child dentistry offers sealants, a thin coating of bonding material applied over a tooth, which act as a barrier to cavity-causing bacteria. They can be put on as soon as the child's first permanent molars (back teeth) appear. Parents deeply trust Dentzz dental practices followed at our clinic as they ensure healthier gums, teeth and overall oral well-being.