Miami dentist, Dentist in Miami,

Your Child's First Dental Visit

The child's first visit is important for several reasons. In many in-stances, it is the child's first experience with dentistry; in some cases, the child has had a previous unpleasant experience. Emergency problems will be dealt with first; if your child is in pain we will do our best to alleviate it. If there are no emergency problems, we will examine your child's mouth (lips, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, tonsil area, hard and soft palate), check the growth and development of the head, check the teeth and gums. The child will receive a thorough cleaning, topical fluoride treatment and we will take such digital radiographs as is necessary.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your child should visit the dentist by his/her 1^st birthday. You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to-do concerning the visit, the better.

It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt. At our practice we use words hat convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child. We tell them, show them and then do as we promised them.

You can explain to your child that the dentist wants to be a friend and help care for his or her teeth. At the first visit the dentist will count your teeth, clean them with a special tickling toothbrush, and take some pictures of your mouth. Never tell a child that the dentist will not hurt, as this may never have entered the child's mind, but rather, that the dentist will be very gentle.

Why Are The Primary Teeth So Important?

It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth, or baby teeth are important for (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and (3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. While the front 4 teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) aren't replaced until age 10-13.

Care of Your Childs Teeth

Begin daily brushing as soon as the child's first tooth erupts. A pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used after the child is old enough not to swallow it. By age 4 or 5, children should be able to brush their own teeth twice a day with supervision until about age seven to make sure they are doing a thorough job. However, each child is different. Your dentist can help you determine whether the child has the skill level to brush properly.

Proper brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces. When teaching children to brush, place toothbrush at a 45 degree angle; start along gum line with a soft bristle brush in a gentle circular motion. Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower. Repeat the same method on the inside surfaces and chewing surfaces of all the teeth. Finish by brushing the tongue to help freshen breath and remove bacteria.

Flossing removes plaque between the teeth where a toothbrush can't reach. Flossing should begin when any two teeth touch. You should floss the child's teeth until he or she can do it alone. Use about 18 inches of floss, winding most of it around the middle fingers of both hands. Hold the floss lightly between the thumbs and forefingers. Use a gentle, back-and-forth motion to guide the floss between the teeth. Curve the floss into a C-shape and slide it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel resistance. Gently scrape the floss against the side of the tooth. Repeat this procedure on each tooth. Don't forget the backs of the last four teeth.

We welcome children in our practice so please do not hesitate to call and make an appointment for the littlest member of your family.....Smiles!