Time to go to the dentist! Every parent knows that babies need a lot of TLC to grow up happy and healthy. From feeding them healthy foods to ensuring they are bathed and cleaned, parents need to tend to every aspect of caring for the little ones.One area that is sometimes overlooked is dental care. After all, children lose their first set of teeth, right?Dental care is of great importance, and something to be considered even before baby cuts his first tooth. There are products on the market, such as small toothbrushes that fit on a fingertip, that not only get a child used to the routine of brushing, but also clean their gums to keep them healthy.Once the baby teeth have begun poking through the gums, parents should start brushing the toddler’s teeth and gums at least twice a day with non-fluoridated toothpaste until the child knows how to spit out the paste fully. This will keep the teeth in great shape until they fall out to make way for the adult teeth to come in. (And it will keep their pearly whites pearly white for when they flash their cute-as-can-be smile.)Around 1 year old is a good time to call the dentist to make the child’s first appointment. A good general rule is to take the child in within about six months of the first tooth coming through. If there are concerns beforehand, such as discolored teeth, call the dentist sooner rather than later.The thought of taking a little one to the dentist might sound daunting, but that shouldn’t be the case. Little ones don’t know about drills or root canals. They get to sit in a chair that goes up and down and have someone look at their smile! Parents should express enthusiasm for going to the dentist rather than fear.The first visit gives the dentist a chance to meet the child and have a very casual meeting, focusing more on getting the kids used to the dentist’s chair and educating the parents. The dentist will check the teeth, gums, bite, and jaw, as well as look for tooth decay. The dentist also may clean the child’s teeth, or may opt to do this on the second visit.After a discussion about good oral hygiene, the dentist may answer any questions a parent or child may have about the visit or their teeth. Some common topics discussed include teething, appropriate foods, and thumb sucking.A check-up every six months is routine, unless there are other issues that need to be addressed.
Between early alarms, packing lunches, and racing to the bus stop, school mornings can be busy. But even on the most hectic days, your child’s smile deserves a little extra TLC. With a few easy routines and smart snack choices, you can help them keep those pearly whites shining all year long and we’re here to help make it simple.
Read MoreFor years, Rebecca struggled with daily headaches and jaw clenching caused by TMJ disorder. Like many of our patients, she had tried countless remedies with little relief—until she discovered the therapeutic benefits of Botox.
Read MoreLosing a tooth is a childhood rite of passage. Not only is it a huge milestone for kids, but it’s also a big deal for parents, too. It’s one more sign that your child is growing up before your eyes. Despite the excitement, the loose and wiggly tooth stage often prompts many questions from parents. Although some anxiety is totally normal, there’s no reason to be scared about the normal process of losing baby teeth and making way for new permanent teeth. In this article, we’ll answer the top questions we hear in our office and give you some helpful tips, so you can help your child say bye-bye to baby teeth with confidence.
Read MoreWhether you’re new to the Williamsburg area, or new to the Norge Dental family… we welcome you to a new dental experience. We are so thankful you are here.
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