As you know, baby teeth naturally fall out and are replaced with adult teeth. They’re an important part of development, allowing your child to start on solid foods, develop speech and more. They also act as placeholders for the permanent teeth that are yet to come. But they aren’t to be taken lightly. Some people mistakenly believe that baby teeth don’t matter, since they’ll be falling out eventually. That leads many parents to delay visits to a pediatric dentist in Bellbrook, OH until the first permanent tooth comes in. However, baby teeth need to be seen by a dentist, as well, since problems with baby teeth can lead to long-term oral health issues, including misalignment and difficulty chewing. Here are signs that your child’s baby teeth are at risk of tooth decay:

Swelling or Redness Around the Gums

If you see swelling, redness or bleeding gums, your child may have a gum disease or some kind of infection. Even if you think that gum issues at this early stage in life is a minor concern, the things is that they can affect the health of the baby teeth and even make a less inviting environment for the permanent teeth that will come in the future.

Early Tooth Loss

Baby teeth are meant to fall out naturally when it’s time for permanent teeth to come in. That’s how nature designed it. However, if your child loses a tooth too early due to decay or injury, it can cause surrounding teeth to shift, leading to alignment problems. This shifting can also make it harder for permanent teeth to grow in correctly. Early tooth loss is a red flag you shouldn’t ignore.

Persistent Bad Breath

If your child has persistent bad breath, it could be a sign of an oral infection. This is especially concerning if regular brushing and flossing don’t seem to help. An unpleasant odor in your child’s mouth could be a symptom of tooth decay, gum disease, or even an underlying infection, all of which require prompt dental care.

Your child’s first dentist appointment should be no later than their first birthday or when their first tooth makes an appearance. From there, your family dentist in Bellbrook, OH will be able to monitor your child’s oral health through regular dental visits. Contact Bellbrook Family Dentistry to learn more.

Your child’s dentist is your partner in helping your child maintain healthy teeth and gums. The dentist you choose makes all the difference. When you’re looking for adentist in Bellbrook, OH, there are many things to consider.

1. Experience

How often does this dentist work with children? Who is the youngest patient that this dentist will work with? How long has this dentist been practicing? Where did this dentist go to school? This information can help you determine the dentist’s skill in working with children.

2. Insurance

If you have dental insurance, working with a dentist who accepts your insurance is important. You can find out if the dentist you’re considering will accept your insurance by calling their office or by calling your dental insurer. If the dentist doesn’t accept your insurance, your insurer may have a list of providers in your area.

3. Strategies for Pediatric Patients

Some pediatric patients have difficulty sitting still in the dental chair, while others can feel anxiety at the dentist. The dentist’s strategies to help children overcome these challenges are important.

Find a dentist who knows how to help kids feel relaxed and calm while in the dental chair. You can check this out by calling the dentist in advance and asking about their strategies for helping their patients. The dentist you pick should be able to speak clearly about this issue.

4. Clean, Comfortable Dental Office

Is the dentist’s office clean and comfortable, with state-of-the-art equipment? Some dental offices offer tours to patients who need to see what the office looks like before they make an appointment.

You can find out what the facilities are like by contacting the office in advance, asking questions about them, and making arrangements to see the office in person.

5. Communication

What communication tools does the dentist use? Do they communicate clearly with patients? You can find out by scheduling a conversation with the dentist. Notice their tone, whether they listen to you, and how they answer your questions.

Are you making an appointment for your child’s firstdental exam in Bellbrook, OH? The dentists at Bellbrook Family Dentistry are here to help. Call today to make an appointment.

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/finding-dentist

Your baby’s first dental appointment can be a time of excitement. After all, your little one is growing! The eruption of the first teeth means that your baby is getting bigger and turning into a toddler. If you have a little one at home, it’s natural to wonder when you should bring your baby in for their first dental appointment.

Knowing when to schedule the appointment can help you take care of your child’s teeth, and can help set your child up for good oral hygiene into their later childhood and adulthood. Here’s what you need to know about your child’s first dental cleaning in Bellbrook, Centerville and Beavercreek OH.

When should my baby come in for their first dental appointment?

Bring your baby in for their first dental appointment when they turn one year old, or when their teeth first erupt from the gums – whichever comes first. Your baby doesn’t need to have a lot of teeth to see the dentist. In fact, it’s best to bring your baby to the dentist before their teeth have had a chance to develop cavities, plaque or tartar.

What can I expect during my baby’s first dental appointment?

During your baby’s first dental appointment, the dentist will examine your child’s teeth and gums. They’ll show you how to brush your child’s teeth, and answer any questions you might have about your child’s dental hygiene. Your child’s dentist may also recommend some products (infant-safe toothpaste, for example) that you can find at your local pharmacy that will help maintain healthy teeth and gums.

What’s the benefit of dental care if my child only has a few teeth?

Even babies can develop cavities. Taking your child to the dentist as soon as they start showing teeth will help your baby avoid dental hygiene problems. In addition, seeing the dentist early can help your dentist catch problems with your child’s tooth alignment in their early stages.

Contact us to make an appointment.

Want to make an appointment with the dentist in Bellbrook, Centerville and Beavercreek, OH? Call Bellbrook Family Dentistry today. We’d love to meet your baby and help them on the path to good oral hygiene!

Does your child have missing or damaged teeth? Like many children with missing or damaged teeth, your child probably feels self-conscious about smiling. During school and sports activities, some children may even make fun of your child’s smile. As a result, your child may also suffer from low self-esteem. The good news is that restorative dentistry in Bellbrook, OH can drastically improve your child’s dental heath and smile. Check out these common restorative treatments for children.

Tooth Fillings

One of the most common types of restorative treatments for kids are tooth fillings. Since tooth fillings are a minimally invasive treatment, they are a great way to fix children’s cavities. Silver and white tooth fillings are usually available.

Dental Crowns

If your child has a permanent tooth with excessive decay or a fracture, there’s a chance that your Bellbrook, OH dentist may recommend a dental crown. Dental crowns are an effective and relatively quick restorative treatment because they can protect a decaying tooth from further damage. A dental crown can also retain the healthy structure of your child’s tooth and prevent it from having to be completely removed.

Dental Bonding

Children are unpredictable, and most of them will chip or crack a tooth at some point. Many dentists will use dental bonding to restore a child’s cracked tooth. Even if your child’s front tooth is chipped or broken, dental bonding can restore the tooth to its natural shape.

Pulpotomy

If your child has a baby tooth with severe decay, a dentist may suggest a pulpotomy procedure. The procedure can save your child’s decaying tooth by removing the damaged pulp. Keep in mind that whenever a decaying tooth is left untreated, severe infection can occur. In extreme cases, your child may even lose the tooth if it isn’t treated promptly.

Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction may be necessary if your child has a permanent tooth with a big cavity or severe infection. A dentist may also remove a tooth due to overcrowding. A tooth extraction is a fairly straightforward procedure. After that, a permanent faux tooth will be installed to replace the missing tooth.

Ready to improve your child’s confidence with a beautiful, healthy smile? Contact our dental office soon to learn all about our excellent restorative treatments. We are always happy to answer any of your questions.