Many patients ask what age is the best to bring your child in for their first dental visit, which toothpaste is the best toothpaste, when should they be losing their baby teeth, among many other questions. This blog will answer many common questions that parents have regarding the oral health of their child.
A first visit is recommended for a child at about the age of 2 years old. The procedures completed at this visit will depend on the cooperation of each individual child. Some 2 year olds will have a full cleaning, exam and x-rays while others may only be ready for a “happy visit”. This would include counting the teeth, taking a ride in our dental chair and learning about the different instruments. Our goal is to make the first visit as pleasant as possible so as to create fond memories that will set the stage for future appointments.
What type of toothbrush and toothpaste should my child be using? Toothbrushes are labeled and sold according to age groups starting at the age a tooth first erupts. See the packaging label to find the correct brush. A small brush head with soft or extra soft bristles is best. Be sure to replace the brush every 3 months or after any illnesses. Younger children should use toothpaste with little to no fluoride content. Ingesting too much fluoride could cause an upset stomach. As soon as your child can spit after brushing, fluoridated toothpaste approved by the ADA can be used to help prevent tooth decay. Brushing should be performed twice daily. Adult assistance may be necessary as motor skills are still developing. Don’t forget to floss! Floss once daily. Floss aids may be a big help until adolescence.
Children begin to lose their baby teeth and grow their adult teeth around the age of 6 years old and will continue that cycle through the age of 13. Each persons teeth erupt at different times. Regular dental visits will allow your dentist and hygienist to monitor their progress.
Juice and milk consumption should be limited and not sipped before bed or over longer periods of time. Keeping juice and milk in the mouth creates the perfect environment for cavities to form. Rinse with or drink water after meals, snacks, fruit juice and milk to help rinse cavity causing bacteria away. Baby teeth can get cavities too! Do your best to keep them healthy.
For any questions regarding your childs dental health, be sure to call your friendly team at Elmbrook Family Dental.
In many cases, dental implants are a great alternative to dentures and bridges to replace missing teeth. What are they and how do they work? This blog will give you the detailed information you need to make the best decision for you.
On May 22nd, Amanda and her fiancé flew out to Las Vegas to get married! They celebrated their union with many 
reminder system. We added this wonderful feature to our practice as a convenient courtesy to our patients. Now, you have the option to confirm your appointments vie e-mail and text without ever having to take a phone call! Once you have “opted in” to this feature, you are automatically signed up to receive all reminders, birthday wishes and newsletters. Please note that you DO have the option to pick and choose which notifications you would like to receive. Next time you get an email from us, scroll to the bottom of the screen. Note that in the lower right hand corner there is an icon labeled “update preferences”. Once you click on this, it will take you to a page where you may customize your options to fit your own needs. And don’t forget, you also have the option to “opt out” of our reminder systems all together. We are happy to make phone calls to those who still prefer them. 
We’ve all heard the phrase “Sip all day, get decay”. This is no myth! Sipping soda rather than drinking it quickly can make a big difference in the way it affects the health of your teeth. Did you know that the acid level in your mouth is naturally neutral? When we eat or drink anything, it is normal for the acidity level in our mouths to drop in to an unhealthy level. Cavity causing bacteria thrive in this environment. Once you are done eating or drinking, it still takes an additional 40 minutes for your mouth to return to a neutral level. 
ELMBROOK FAMILY DENTAL is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Kristina Connor to our team of dentists. Dr. Kristina will begin working at our office on Wednesday April 7th.