Pediatric Dentistry
Your Baby’s First Teeth
Your baby will get his or her first teeth when they are about 6-to-8 months old. The first baby teeth that usually come into the mouth are the two bottom front teeth.
Next to follow are the 4 upper front teeth, and the remainder of your baby’s teeth will appear periodically, typically in pairs, along the sides of the jaw until your child is about 2 ½ years old.
At around 2 ½ years old, your child should have all 20 teeth. Between the ages of 5 and 6, the first permanent teeth will begin to erupt. Some of the permanent teeth replace baby teeth, and some don’t. Don’t worry if some teeth are a few months early or late, as all children are different.
Baby teeth are important as they not only hold space for permanent teeth but are also important for chewing, biting, speech, and appearance.
For this reason, maintaining a healthy diet and daily hygiene is important.
We Personalize Care for Your Child
Making a Trip To the Dentist Safe and Fun!
Your child’s first visit
The first “regular” dental visit is usually after your child’s third birthday. This visit is short and involves very little treatment. It’s important to let your child know that mommy or daddy go to our office and how much they like to see the dentist. The parent may also be asked to wait in the reception area during the visit to build a relationship between the child and the dentist.
We will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken (to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child’s permanent teeth under the gums). We may clean your child’s teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most importantly, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth.
What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?
We are often asked this question. We suggest you prepare your child before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. Your child’s reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.
Give us a call if you have any questions: Colony Square Dental Associates, Atlanta office Phone Number 404-874-6464
You may also visit the link below to help familiarize your child with our very own Dr. Diora. This is a video of a recent virtual visit to classrooms in our community during the pandemic. Take a look as she reads “Curious George Visits The Dentist” to your little one.
Tips for Your Child’s First Dentist Appointment
- Take your child for a “preview” or online tour of the office
- Read books with them about going to the dentist
- Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit
- Speak positively about your own dental experiences
During Your child’s First Visit, the Dentist Will:
- Examine their mouth, teeth, and gums
- Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking
- Check to see if she needs fluoride
- Teach them about cleaning their teeth and gums
- Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits
Preventative Dental Care for Kids
Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand in hand. At our office, we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest in sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Sealants are space-age plastics bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health.
Cavity Prevention:
Cavities are usually caused by a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing. Of course, limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly can help.
Tips for Cavity Prevention:
- Limit the frequency of snacks
- Encourage brushing, flossing, and rinsing
- Watch what your child drinks
- Avoid sticky foods
- Make treats part of meals
- Choose nutritious snacks
- Avoid milk or juice drinks prior to bedtime