We get it, being a parent is hard work. And on top of the humongous list of tasks you have to do you now have to start thinking about Dental appointments for your loved one. So here are some of the important points to remember.
When to go?
It is recommended to start taking your children to the Dentist before their first birthday or around 6 months after the eruption of their first tooth.
Where to go?
Comfort is key: Choose someone you and your child are comfortable with, Dentist visits can be scary for adults, let alone children so it is a good idea to encourage cooperation from a young age.
Ask around: Friends and family may know a particular Dentist that is good with children.
Top three questions to ask your Dentist:
How is my child’s teeth and jaw development? There are a number of habits that can affect children’s dental development such as dummies and sucking on inanimate objects! It’s good to know that they are heading in the right direction and anything that needs to be adjusted if they are not.
What do I do if my child has an urgent dental issue? Different practices have different procedures. It’s good to know in advance so that your child is in pain for as little time as possible.
Will you give me support for each step of my child’s development? Your child’s teeth will never go through a bigger period of change than during their childhood. Your Dentist at Arden can give you advice to successfully navigate each stage.
How do I clean a baby’s teeth?
A toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles is fine, but we recommend one specifically designed for little ones. At least once a day
How do I deal with toothache?
Rinse the mouth with warm salt water and put a cold compress on the face (a flannel is good for this). Try flossing as pain could be caused merely by food being stuck in between the teeth. Do not put aspirin onto the gums as this can cause tissue damage and lead to Reye’s syndrome. If the pain carries on ring your Dentist.
At what age do I start to use toothpaste?
When teeth start to appear brush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste.
How much should I use?
Younger than 2: A “smear”
2 – 5 years: a pea-sized amount. Make sure to assist with brushing.
Make sure your child does not swallow the toothpaste.
