San Francisco and Marin CA
As parents, we want to keep our children safe and healthy. We do everything we can to protect our children. We know that means protecting their teeth, too. A healthy smile often means more to us than it does to our children. However, medical information is always changing because of new research and technological advances. New information isn’t a bad thing, though. It means we’ll keep our children’s teeth healthier and their dental care routine will be much more comprehensive. Keeping track of all the new information can seem overwhelming, but don’t let it be. Glen Park Dental offers a comprehensive program of pediatric dentistry. We used our years of experience working with kids to answer the top five questions parents ask about their children’s oral care.
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What about babies’ teeth?
The American Dental Association recommends that a baby should have their first dental appointment at 12 months old or when their first tooth has erupted into the mouth. Whenever your child’s teeth start to grow in, that means you should be brushing them – just not with your standard-sized toothbrush. Most stores that sell infant merchandise have a variety of size- and texture-appropriate toothbrushes for babies’ teeth. We also recommend using sterile gauze. It provides a rough, but not abrasive, surface that can easily be wrapped around your finger and used to remove plaque from your babies’ teeth. If you want to help encourage your baby to begin a good routine of dental care, having a small child run a clean warm damp washcloth on their teeth while you brush yours is also a great idea. Ask your dentist before introducing a child sized-toothbrush, and fluoride-free toothpaste into your little one’s routine.
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What happens when children lose teeth too soon?
Baby teeth are meant to be lost. They don’t always fall out on the correct schedule, though. An injury, accident or tooth decay can cause a child’s baby tooth to fall out ahead of schedule. In this case, we recommend having our staff take a look and see what option best fits your child’s needs. Losing a baby tooth prematurely means it no longer holds the place of the adult tooth that replaces it. This can alter how the adult teeth erupt from the gum line, causing crookedness or crowding. If a tooth is lost too early it can put more stress on your child’s other teeth and alter how they chew and speak.
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What if my kids don’t have cavities?
Every six months is the recommended time frame for children to see their dentists—whether they have cavities or not. Dental visits aren’t just to fix cavities. We monitor your children’s teeth and do routine cleanings. These cleanings remove plaque in a way you can’t at home. We also take X-rays that help maintain a consistent record of your child’s dental growth and development.
- Why do we keep getting cavities when my kids brush their teeth?
Children are at the highest risk for cavities because of their diets just as much as their oral hygiene. They may, however, be drinking and eating a lot more sugary and starchy foods. Sports drinks, sodas, tea, gummy snacks, are all common parts of a child’s diet—along with a sandwich every day for lunch, and a toaster strudel or cereal for breakfast. Children also eat significantly more often than most adults. Their bodies are growing and they need that food, but it also exposes their tooth enamel to more of the acids excreted by harmful bacteria. Kids tend to crave carbohydrates than adults in order to keep their higher metabolisms going, but that’s also why children get more cavities.
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Can my child get gum disease?
Gum disease is more common among adults, but that doesn’t mean kids and teens can’t get it. A child with poor oral hygiene habits is susceptible to gum disease, which is caused by a bacterial infection of the gums. Hormonal changes can also make children more likely to get gum disease or gingivitis.
Children’s Dental Care in San Francisco and Marin in California
Our children mean everything to us. You want to give them the best start in life and that includes oral care. To learn more about our program of pediatric dentistry at Glen Park Dental, call (415) 585-1500 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
