When Should I Bring My Child in For a First Dental Visit?

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Many parents are often uncertain about the best time to take their children for the first dental visit. Should you go to a pediatric dentist only after all the teeth have come in or noticed a serious problem? Experts say no. According to professional dental associations, you should take your child for the first visit once the first tooth erupts in the mouth. This is often before their second birthday.

What Should You Expect During the First Dental Visit?

Usually, this is a short exercise and involves little treatment. It is a chance for a child to meet the dentist in a friendly environment. Some pediatric dentists may ask you to hold your child and sit on the dentist’s chair during the first checkup. In some cases, you may be required to wait in the reception area. This helps to build a relationship between a child and the dentist.

During the exam, a dental expert will examine all your child’s teeth for any potential issues with oral tissues, gums, and jaws. If any problems are identified, a dentist will clean the teeth and determine whether there’s a need for fluoride. They will also offer some insights on how to take care of your child’s teeth and answer any related questions.

For example, they may talk to you about oral habits, expectations during teeth development, and proper nutrition. Many dentists would want to see a child every six months to build their comfort and confidence during a checkup. Additionally, regular visits enable the experts to monitor the progress and offer prompt treatment for any potential issues.

A pediatric dentist will require you to provide medical and health information about your kid during the first visit. Therefore, carry all the relevant documentation.

How Do You get a Child Ready for a Dental Visit?

Unlike adults with vivid memories about some dental procedures, your child has no reason to experience anxiety when visiting a dentist. If you think your little one may get upset, carry their favorite toy or offer them a surprise gift after the checkup.

The first visit doesn’t involve doing any real work. It’s mainly about introducing a child to a dentist center and allowing them to explore the most common tools. Contact us today to make your child’s first dentist appointment!

 

 

Fruit Juice May Be Harming Your Child’s Teeth: Here’s Why

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Fruit juice is often recommended due to its numerous health benefits. It contains large amounts of nutrients found in fruits, including vitamin C and antioxidants. According to medical experts, drinking fruit juice is an effective way of reducing the risk of heart diseases, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. In some cases, the juice may be more palatable than the fruits themselves. However, consuming excess fruit juice is not entirely beneficial, as it can harm your child’s teeth in several ways. Here’s why it may cause harm to your teeth:

It Has High Sugar Content

Sugar is well known as one of the substances that can harm the teeth. Once the bacteria in the mouth have consumed it, sugar is converted to an acid, which causes cavities and tooth wear. The accumulation of the bacteria leads to the formation of a film known as tooth plaque.

Also, the bacteria can cause irritation of the gums, causing infections, and the teeth will eventually fall out. Usually, fruit juice contains added sugar. Even pure options have high amounts of naturally-occurring sugars, which are harmful to the teeth. Statistics show that there is higher sugar content in pure fruit juices than a soda.

It Destroys the Enamel

The enamel of your kid’s teeth is more fragile than you may think. Other than been eaten away by the acid released in the mouth, acids found in fruit juices can wear away the enamel even further. Some of the drinks like lime and cranberry are more acidic than vinegar if taken excessively. With time, the juices can lead to cavities, increase teeth sensitivity, and eventually cause tooth loss. Many parents often offer fruit juice as a substitute for soda, as they believe the drinks will cause less harm to the teeth. The truth is, fruit juice is more acidic and will cause more damage. According to some studies, orange juice leads to reduced tooth hardness and the roughening of the teeth, increasing the risk of cavities and plaque. Fortunately, if your child likes taking fruit juice for lunch and dinner, you can take several measures to prevent teeth erosion. First, encourage them to use a straw. This helps to reduce the drink’s contact with your child’s teeth. Another way of achieving the objective is substituting acidic drinks with water.

Fruit juice for your child is fine in moderation. But for the most part, fluoridated water is a far better option. Talk to your child’s dentist for more information about fruit juice alternatives.