DeBonis Family Dentistry has been successfully treating children of any age from all over Ross Township, Ingomar, Sewickley, Coraopolis, Glenshaw, and other nearby areas for years. We understand the importance of establishing a proper oral hygiene routine with children from an early age. Let our family help your family get started down the path of a lifetime of good oral health.
Why are baby teeth important?
A child’s baby teeth play an important role as they develop skills such as eating, chewing, and speaking. The first sets of teeth that emerge in children are commonly referred to as primary teeth. Primary teeth, which are strong from proper oral hygiene, allow young muscles and jaw bones to develop in good health. Introducing your child to proper routines early helps permanent teeth grow into place comfortably.
Occasionally, a permanent tooth can grow in crooked. Genetics, poor hygiene, and health are all factors that account for this. Baby teeth which decay due to improper oral care can damage the bone, cause pain, create an abscess, and lead to infection which then has the ability to affect your permanent teeth.
The overall health of your child can also be affected by diseased primary teeth when dental care is not utilized to remedy. The way in which your child’s primary teeth are cared for directly affects your permanent teeth.
Establishing early oral hygiene routines teaches your child about the importance of oral health; a skill that lasts a lifetime. Begin brushing a baby’s gums to remove plaque and bacteria from the moment they’re born and introduce brushing with a toothbrush when their first tooth emerges. Flossing can be started as soon as possible as well.
Proper oral health care at home and regularly scheduled dental visits with our DeBonis Family Dentistry staff keeps your children healthy and prevents unwanted dental treatments in the future.
Should baby teeth be treated the same as adult teeth?
Essentially, the same care for permanent teeth is recommended for primary teeth with a few differences based on the age of your child.
For babies, begin an oral health regimen within the first two days of birth. Use a very soft, clean, and damp cloth to gently rub on your baby’s gums. This removes plaque from the gums as well as bacteria.
Primary teeth are susceptible to decay the minute they emerge. When your baby’s first tooth pops through the gums, a soft-bristled toothbrush should be used to brush the emerging tooth. This also helps relieve the pressure on the gum as the tooth continues to move into place.
All teeth need to be brushed each day, twice a day. Around the child’s 3rd birthday, you can use a small amount of toothpaste with fluoride in it. Use circular brushing movements so they begin to understand how brushing works. This is also a great time to let your child handle the toothbrush, as well. It will help them develop fine motor skills and a good health regimen at the same time. Just pay attention to their brushing attempt and provide reminders about spitting the toothpaste out.
Finally, as a child’s teeth continue to emerge, flossing should be introduced as soon as two or more of their teeth touch.
What dental problems can affect my child?
Dental problems have a tendency to begin early in life when poor oral hygiene is an issue. Improper care can affect how and when adult teeth will come in, and could cause dental issues long down the road. Certain situations affect both baby and permanent teeth, including:
Tooth Decay
Gum Disease
Oral Habits
Do children need preventive care?
Preventive care is essential to continued good oral health. At DeBonis Family Dentistry, we use the latest technology and industry education to promote healthy teeth and gums. Dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and bi-annual checkups are all a part of preventive care. Every component of our pediatric dental services aids in keeping your child’s health in good order.
How should I prepare my child for their visit?
A child’s first visit to the dentist is best by the time their first tooth emerges. A visit to our DeBonis Family Dentistry dentist introduces children to the dentist from an early age; allowing them to learn to feel comfortable and safe when they come in for their regular checkups. Early oral health care is ideal for not only developing teeth, but improves speech and builds self-confidence as your child grows.
To help alleviate anxiousness and fear of your child’s dental visit, we have created a uniquely designed space; welcoming and fun for any age. With our DeBonis Family Dentistry office being easy to reach from anywhere in Ross Township, Ingomar, Sewickley, Coraopolis, Glenshaw, and surrounding areas, you’ll never have to take your kids far for great dental care.
Call us at (412) 761-9594 if you have any concerns or questions regarding preparation for your child’s first visit. Additionally, you are welcome to come by during office hours to take a quick tour and to see if DeBonis Family Dentistry is the right fit for your child.