Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by our partners at Associates in Pediatric Dentistry.
The first visit to the dentist for a child can be daunting and that’s why the doctors and team at Associates in Pediatric Dentistry are committed to making your child’s first dental visit a pleasant and comfortable experience. We understand the importance of establishing a good oral hygiene regimen early in a child’s life, and we provide children and the parent with the necessary knowledge to maintain a healthy smile. AIPD encourages total family participation. Parents and siblings are always welcome in the clinic area.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) publishes a reference manual which includes dental policies and guidelines which serve as a resource for the following responses. You can visit the AAPD’s website at www.aapd.org for more information.
Six Most Commonly Asked Questions Concerning Pediatric Oral Health ::
When Should a Child See a Dentist for the First Time?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you take your baby to a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or eruption of their first tooth. Parents are urged to find their child a Dental Home, defined as… “the ongoing relationship between the dentist and the patient, inclusive of all aspects of oral health care, delivered in a comprehensive, continuously accessible, coordinated, and family-centered way.”
When Should I Start Brushing my Child’s Teeth?
As soon as teeth come in, clean your child’s teeth at least twice a day with a damp cloth or toothbrush designed for small children.
Why Do Baby Teeth Matter?
A child with unhealthy baby teeth is at risk for future oral health problems as a teen and adult. Undetected and untreated tooth decay can lead to infection, loss of teeth, and expensive emergency and restorative treatment.
Can I Put My Baby to Bed with a Bottle?
If you put your baby to sleep with a bottle, use nothing but water. When a child is given a bottle with sugar-containing drinks such as milk, formula or fruit juice, the teeth are under attack by bacterial acid for extended periods. This can cause cavities in babies teeth called “early childhood caries.” Tooth decay is the most common chronic early childhood disease in the US.
Is Fluoride Important for my Baby?
Studies show consistent exposure to fluoride has been shown to reduce tooth decay by as much as 50 to 70 percent. A pediatric dentist will determine your child’s fluoride needs during the first visit.
What Tips Do You Recommend for Teething Discomfort?
Gently rub the gums with a washcloth or gauze first placed in cold water. The use of topical pain relievers and medications that are rubbed on the gums is discouraged.
Associates in Pediatric Dentistry, (AIPD) is a leading pediatric dental practice in BatonRouge, Louisiana. AIPD also has satellite offices in Prairieville and Denham Springs. Check our their website HERE and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
