Pediatric Dentistry
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Bring your Child in for his/her new patient appointment and your child will receive a complimentary Electric Toothbrush.
Teething The first tooth usually erupts between ages 6 to 12 months. The child's gums can be sore and tender until the age of 3. Rubbing sore gums gently with a clean finger, the back of a cold spoon or a cold, wet cloth helps soothe the gums. Teething rings work; avoid teething biscuits, as they contain sugar. While your baby is teething, it is important to watch the teeth for signs of baby bottle decay. A bottle containing anything other than water and left in an infant's mouth while sleeping, can cause decay. This happens because sugar in the liquid mixes with bacteria in dental plaque, forming acids that attack the tooth enamel. A Child's First Dental Visit The most important part of your child's first dental visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with Dr. Alder and our staff. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. Why Primary Teeth Are Important Primary teeth are important for several reasons. Foremost, good teeth allow a child to eat and maintain good nutrition. Healthy teeth allow for clear pronunciation and speech habits. The self-image healthy teeth give a child is immeasurable. Primary teeth also guide eruption of the permanent teeth, minimizing furture crowding/spacing issues. Good Diet and Healthy Teeth The teeth, bones and soft tissue of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced diet. A variety of food from the five food groups helps minimize (and avoid) cavities and other dental problems. Here are some tips to helping your children keep their teeth healthy:Recognize foods that are a high risk for tooth decay. Most people know that sweets such as cookies and candy are poor snack choices for healthy teeth. However, some foods aren't so obvious. Snacks that stick to teeth can cause as much tooth decay as candy and cookies. Limit the number of snacks a day. Remember that each time you give your child a meal or a , you are also giving a "snack" to the cavity-causing bacteria in your child's mouth. The more snacks, the more times the bacteria can attach to your child's teeth. Restrict high-sugar foods to set mealtimes. We all enjoy a sweet treat now and then. But having your child eat it as part of a regular meal, rather than by itself as a snack, can limit the risk of tooth decay. Choosing milk or water, instead of sugary drinks or juice. What children drink is just as important as what they eat. Most juices and sodas are loaded with sugar. Sipping on fruit juic, sodas, or sport drinks keeps washing over the teeth. This can contribute to tooth decay. Choosing milk or water will help ensure a healthy mouth and body for your child. Remember that a nutritious diet is just one way of preventing tooth decay. Be sure that your child also brushes twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride. Your child should also see Dr. Alder every six months to have a professional dental cleaning and check up.
We know that you have many dental offices to choose from. Our patients choose our office because:
Contact our office today to make an appointment or to get more information:Alder Family Dentistry
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