For Your Information
Mother's Health Before The Baby Arrives
A balanced diet is a critical part of proper development of an unborn child. Teeth begin to form in the second mounth of pregnancy. A balanced diet that provides adequate amounts of vitamins A, C, and D, protein, calcium, and phosphorous helps develop healthy teeth. City water has fluoride, not bottled water, you can always supplement with nursery water with fluoride.
A mother's decay-causing bacteria can be transmitted to her child, so it is important to have maternal teeth free of decay and gum disease before birth. Brushing twice a day and cleaning teeth daily with floss and routine check-ups with your dentist can reduce the risk of decay and gum disease. Poor periodontal (gum) health can cause premature delivery and low birth weight.
The Growing Years From Birth to 6 Years Old
20 primary teeth will erupt during the first three years of infant's life. Primary teeth are important to development-for chewing, speaking, and appearance. In addition, the primary teeth hold the space in the jaws for permanent teeth. This all helps give your child's face shape and form.
Begin cleaning the baby's mouth after birth, this will keep bacteria down. When teeth erupt, it is important to wipe teeth after every feeding. A toothbrush with pea size fluoride toothpaste can be use on a child a little older. When spaces close you must start to floss or they will get cavities between teeth. You must help them, as another dentist said "Would you let them wash your dishes?"
First dental visit is 6 months after first tooth erupts, no later than first birthday. At this appointment your dentist can: 1) review medical and dental history; 2) complete an oral exam and assess groth and development, oral hygiene, injuries, cavities, and/or other problems; clean teeth and suggest daily care needs; 4) review and optimize your child's fluoride intake to help build strong permanent teeth; 5) review feeding habits; 6) assess your child's risk of tooth decay; 7) provide information on developmental growth, teething, pacifier and thumb habit and injury prevention; 8) plan any needed treatment and view options best to fit your child's needs.
The Transition Years: From 6 to 12 Years
Your children are going through a lot of teeth changes and hormonal changes. If brushing habits are lacking they can cause cavities and bad breath. It is crucial at this time to go to the dentist so your dentist and team members can tell them about hygiene. Developmental problems can be caught early and manipulating the growth with orthodontics can be started. Another concern is sports. You know the saying "It's all fun and games till you poke an eye out", in dentistry "It's all fun and games till you knock a tooth out". Fitted sports guards are very important. This early intervention can help your child maintain a healthy beautiful smile.
FYI
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in all water sources, including the oceans. Research has shown that fluoride not only prevents cavities, it also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before decay in visible.
Both primary and permanent teeth can benefit from sealants. Ask your dentist if sealants will help your child.
Every child should receive an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven. Important that you realize all baby teeth hold a position for a permanent tooth. If removed prematurley could cause crowding.
