Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry in Wichita, Kansas

Pediatric Dentistry in Wichita

Pediatric Dentistry at Riverside Dental

A child’s first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable. Children are not born with a natural fear of the dentist but can fear the unknown. Our office makes a special effort to use pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe each treatment. 

 

We want you and your child to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our dental practice. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel.

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD’S FIRST PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY VISIT BE?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children visit the dentist by their first birthday. Your child’s newly-erupted teeth (erupting at six and 12 months of age) must receive proper dental care and benefit from good oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.

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WHEN NEW TEETH ARRIVE

Your child’s first primary or baby teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of six and 12 months. They will continue to erupt until about age three. During this time, your child’s gums may feel tender and sore. 

 

To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend soothing the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. You may also choose to make use of a teething ring. When your child has finished teething, you can expect a total of 20 primary teeth.

 

Your child’s primary teeth are shed at various times throughout childhood. Permanent teeth begin erupting at age six and continue until age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth (32, including wisdom teeth).

ADOPTING HEALTHY ORAL HYGIENE HABITS

As your child’s teeth erupt, examine them every two weeks, looking for lines and discoloration that may be caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so ensure your child brushes after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing four times a day for optimal oral hygiene: after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and at bedtime.

 

Brushing can be fun; your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. Fluoridated toothpaste is recommended for all children starting with tooth eruption, regardless of caries risk.

 

Up to the age of three, children should use a tiny smear (the size of a grain of rice) of toothpaste. After the third birthday, your child may use a pea-sized amount. We recommend dispensing toothpaste for young children and supervising and assisting with brushing.

 

Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and your doctor will discuss with you the right time to start flossing. If you notice signs of decay, contact your dentist immediately.

PREVENTING TOOTH DECAY WITH REGULAR CHECKUPS

Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into an acid, which can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents do not practice regular, good oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines and regular pediatric dentistry visits help prevent tooth decay.

 

Your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice yearly and cleanings to keep teeth strong. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they “seal” the deep grooves in your child’s teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last several years but will be monitored at your child’s regular checkups.

HOW CAN I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR THEIR DENTAL VISIT?

Preparing your child is essential to help alleviate any anxiety or fear. To do this, you can start by introducing the idea of visiting the dentist to your child early on, even before their first pediatric dentistry appointment. Talk to them about the importance of oral health and how the dentist can help keep their teeth healthy and strong.

 

Use positive language and avoid words that may scare them, such as “hurt” or “pain.” Instead, focus on the fun and exciting aspects of visiting the dentist, such as getting a new toothbrush or a sticker. Role-play at home by having them lie down on a couch or chair and pretend to examine their teeth with a toothbrush or mirror

 

Consider visiting the dental office with your child before their appointment. It can help them get familiar with the surroundings and meet the pediatric dentistry team in a non-threatening way.

 

Pediatric Dentistry in Wichita | Riverside Dental

Attention parents in Wichita, Kansas! Don’t wait until there’s a problem to start thinking about your children’s dental health. Please give them the gift of a healthy smile by visiting Riverside Dental, your trusted pediatric dental home. Our professional dental team is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care for infants, children, and adolescents. 

 

We know pediatric dentistry visits can be intimidating, but our goal is to make every child feel comfortable and at ease during their visit. By prioritizing your child’s oral health now, you can help them maintain a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Don’t delay – schedule your child’s next dental appointment at Riverside Dental today!