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This chart will give you an idea when teeth normally erupt.
Although your pediatrician normally checks your child's
mouth, you should have a dentist examine the developing teeth and gums.
Although some general dentists treat children, your dentist may refer you
to a pedodontist. A pedodontist is a dentist who has had
advanced training in children's dentistry. This first dental examination
should be as early as one year. Your child's first birthday is an excellent
time to seek this first examination.
Many first visits are introductory ice breakers to acquaint
your child with the dentist. If the child is frightened or uncooperative,
patience on both your part and the dentists is necessary. Reassuring
communication and patience with your child are very important. If special
problems are detected your dentist may refer you to a pedodontist.
The dentist will examine your children mouth including teeth, gums, lips,
tongue, and roof of the mouth. Depending on the children age an X-RAY of the developing teeth may be made. The teeth
may be cleaned and polished and your child or you as the parent given
instruction in how to care for the teeth at home.
This x-ray is of a 6 year old child, showing both baby and permanent teeth.
 Parents
must provide oral care until a child is old enough to brush and floss on
his own. Proper care is important from the day your child is born.
- Clean you infants gums
with a clean damp washcloth or piece of gauze.
- As soon as the first
teeth come begin to brush with a soft bristle tooth brush. Use a very
small dab of toothpaste
- Never give your child
milk or juice at nap time or bed time. These liquids can cause BABY
BOTTLE DECAY if they remain on the teeth while the child sleeps.
- Try to wean your child
off of a pacifiers and baby bottle as soon as possible. Excessive
sucking and prolonged use of a pacifier can cause misalignment of the
teeth.
- Allow your child to brush
themselves as soon as they are old enough, but continue to help them
to assure the teeth are cleaned adequately.
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