Diamons

baby teeth

Photography by Dr. Padval

Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist

When should my child first see a dentist, and why? The ideal time is six months after your child's first (primary) teeth erupt. This time frame is a perfect opportunity for us to carefully examine the development of your child's mouth. Because dental problems often start early, the sooner the visit the better. To safeguard against problems such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb-sucking, we can provide or recommend special preventive care. How do I prepare my child [...]

By |2023-11-28T08:00:40-08:00November 28, 2023|Children's Dentistry|

Baby Teeth Q&A

Answers to some frequently-asked questions: Q: Why do we have two sets of teeth? A: A child needs teeth long before his or her jaw is big enough to accommodate the full set of adult teeth. Baby, or deciduous, teeth are “starters” in every sense of the word. Q: Why worry about cavities if baby teeth fall out on their own? A: Baby teeth are important “guides” that help frame the development of adult teeth, even the jaw. In fact, the beginnings or “buds” [...]

By |2023-10-24T08:00:00-07:00October 24, 2023|Children's Dentistry|

Take Care of Baby Teeth

Tooth decay is declining everywhere except among preschoolers. Proper care of your child’s first teeth is important to ensure the health of permanent teeth in later years. You won’t see a newborn’s teeth, but enamel and dentin are already forming in the jaw. Teething is just months away. Use a clean dry wash cloth to wipe baby’s gums after every feeding and continue as teeth begin to emerge. Central incisors arrive first, at nine to ten months, with lateral incisors about two months later. [...]

By |2023-08-08T08:00:11-07:00August 8, 2023|Children's Dentistry|

Lend Baby Teeth a Hand

Here today...gone too soon. Don’t neglect baby teeth because the health of their replacements is right beneath the surface. Caring for your child’s baby teeth lays a foundation for a lifetime of oral health, so teach good dental hygiene habits while the child is very young. Before the first teeth begin to surface, rub baby’s gums with a clean, damp wash cloth after every feeding. Continue as the teeth emerge until baby is old enough to hold a toothbrush. Teach your children how to [...]

By |2023-07-18T08:00:02-07:00July 18, 2023|Children's Dentistry|

Children’s Oral Health: Developing Positive Habits

Why Children's Oral Health Is So Important We all want the best for our children in all aspects of life. And that applies to their teeth as well! One of the best gifts you can provide for your little loved ones is to teach them proper dental hygiene—right from the very beginning. Developing children's oral health habits early in life will make them more likely to carry it on through adolescence and into adulthood. As a young baby, before the first teeth begin to [...]

By |2022-05-24T08:00:26-07:00May 24, 2022|Children's Dentistry|

Dental Habits… for Kids!

Creating good dental habits can last a lifetime! We all want the best for our children. And that includes their teeth as well! Even though we do get two sets of teeth, it's just as essential to treat baby teeth (also known as primary teeth) as if they were their last. That's because instilling children with good dental habits will carry through into adolescence and adulthood. Indeed, perhaps even the rest of their lives! Think of it this way: good oral health is one [...]

By |2021-09-21T08:00:26-07:00September 21, 2021|Children's Dentistry|

Developing Good Habits

To Protect Children's Teeth Food & Drink Eating and drinking habits are the biggest factors in preventing childhood cavities. But, just as important as what children eat, is when they eat it. To encourage positive eating habits and prevent cavities, limit eating time to 4 or 5 periods during the day (rather than continuous snacking). By reducing the amount of time that food directly contacts teeth, you help reduce the formation of bacteria and plaque. Additionally, avoid meals and snacks that have a large [...]

By |2020-06-02T08:00:39-07:00June 2, 2020|Children's Dentistry|

Baby Teeth—Take Them Seriously

You probably know that it's important to take care of a child's baby teeth, but do you understand why? It's a common question that patients have. "Why worry about a baby tooth if it's eventually going to fall out?" Well, for starters, baby teeth are around a little longer than you might think. Incisors (front teeth) fall out around age 5 or 6, while molars are last to fall out by 10 or 11. So while baby teeth aren't permanent, it's still important to [...]

By |2019-11-19T08:00:45-08:00November 19, 2019|Children's Dentistry|

The Important Role of Baby Teeth

Seemingly Temporary and Dispensable, Baby Teeth Play an Important Role Why do we have two sets of teeth? Initially, the jaw is too small for a full set of adult teeth. Baby teeth serve their purpose just till the jaw develops enough room for adult teeth to form and push them out. This usually begins by age 6 or 7. Why worry about cavities in baby teeth? While baby teeth may seem temporary and dispensable, they actually play an important role that can impact [...]

By |2019-04-02T08:00:07-07:00April 2, 2019|Children's Dentistry|

Let’s Trend Towards Better Oral Health

Tooth decay is declining in everyone except among preschoolers. What can you do to give your kids a better future? Before the first tooth comes in, wipe baby's mouth clean with a damp washcloth. Once a tooth emerges, use a soft toothbrush twice daily for about 3 minutes. Kids are old enough to brush their own teeth when they can write their own name (which displays the dexterity required for brushing). Flossing begins when teeth grow to touch each other. Try flavored floss, and [...]

By |2019-02-19T08:00:33-08:00February 19, 2019|Children's Dentistry|