February is National Children’s Dental Health
Month. We had the opportunity to talk with a pediatric dental office named
Giggles and Grins, PLLC, office of Dr. Sandra Armstrong Dr. Amy Watts and
Associates. They provided some valuable information about pediatric dental
health.
The American Dental Association has named
February as National Children's Dental Health Month. This is
intended to bring awareness to the oral health of children. The American
Association of Pediatric Dentistry has issued the "State of Little Teeth
Report" which emphasizes the significant threat that tooth decay has to
the well-being and future of children. Mychildrensteeth.org is an excellent resource to families for accessing both general
information related to their child’s dental health and guidance on
specific issues.
What parents really want to
know…
·
When
should I bring my child to the dentist for the first visit?
Simply…”First visit by first birthday”
is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This visit will establish a “dental home” for
your child, and it begins a thorough prevention program. Pleasant visits to the
dental office will promote trust and confidence in your child for a lifetime.
·
What
dental problems could a baby have?
A big concern for babies is Early
Childhood Caries. Once a child’s diet
includes anything besides breast milk, erupted teeth are at risk for
cavities. Remember…children should never
go to bed with a bottle!
·
Why
does my child need a space maintainer?
If a primary or baby tooth is prematurely lost as a result of injury or decay, a space
maintainer is recommend to “hold the space ” for the permanent tooth. If left alone, the surrounding teeth can shift
into the space resulting in crowding, or blocking the permanent tooth from eruption.
·
What
if my child’s tooth is knocked out?
Accidents happen!
If your child’s tooth is loosened or knocked out, contact your dentist
immediately. If possible, put the tooth
back in the socket or place in milk. The good news…in most cases, the tooth can
be reattached. Mouth guards are crucial for kids participating in sports. You
can purchase them from stores that sell athletic gear, or they can be custom
made at your dental office.
·
Why
did my doctor recommend sealants?
Sealants offer valuable decay protection for your
child. They are extremely effective for
preventing cavities in the deep grooves of the molar teeth. Sealants are
painted on the tooth surface and hardened with a special light. It is painless and does not require numbing
the tooth. Prevention is the key to a healthy mouth!
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