One of your child’s major milestones – TEETH.
Whether it be their first teeth coming through, their first wiggly tooth, or the arrival of their permanent teeth, Family Dental Care caters to the whole family including infants, toddlers, and children.
Your child’s milestones are your happiness too – but may cause you to ask some questions. You may need to know when to expect these milestones to arrive, when is the best time to take my child to the dentist for the first time, and so on. We are here to help!
Infants and the arrival of their first teeth
The teething process begins between the age of 6 and 24 months and this is the process by which the baby’s “milk teeth” will erupt from their gums. In most babies, this may cause some pain and discomfort but this is nothing to be alarmed about as there are remedies to relieve this:
- Massage the gums with a clean finger or the back of a small cold spoon.
- Allow your child to chew on a cold teething ring. Do not freeze it as this could damage their gums.
- Purchase an over-the-counter teething ointment to numb the gums. Ask your doctor or paediatrician for any recommendations.
If there is a delay in the arrival of their teeth, do not be concerned. Instead, consult with your family doctor or visit a local dentist. Find the closest branch near you www.familydentalcare.co.za/contact-us/
When do children start to lose their baby teeth?
Around the age of 6, children’s teeth begin to loosen and fall out to allow their permanent teeth to emerge.
This is an exciting time for most children! Join in the excitement and make the process fun. Introduce the tooth fairy or tooth mouse early on through books or bedtime stories.
When your child loses their first teeth and their permanent teeth erupt, it is important to teach them proper dental care and encourage the implementation of it. This includes:
- Getting your child to brush his/her teeth twice a day
- Help your child get to those hard-to-reach areas in their mouth whilst brushing their teeth
- Floss your child’s teeth daily – if they allow you to
- Maintain a healthy diet for your child with limited sugar intake.
- Schedule regular dental visits
It is important to start bringing your child to a dentist from the age of 2 when all their “milk teeth” have emerged. This ensures that they become comfortable with dentists and the environment as well as allow the dentist to identify any problems. Prevention is always better than cure!
Do not only bring your child to the dentist when there is a problem. Even if there is no evident issue or compliant, bring them in for regular consultations and cleanings at least once a year. Find the closest branch near you www.familydentalcare.co.za/contact-us/
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“Taking my kiddies to the dentist has been the most seamless experience at Family Dental Care. My kids look forward to it! Dr. Bisaal is the gentlest and kindest dentist I’ve ever come across. My kids have had fillings and teeth pulled and they still love their visits to Family Dental Care. It’s a brilliant practice that cares for their patients!” Shan Fourie
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At Family Dental Care, we have a keen interest in paediatrics and treat children from the age of 2 years old, or younger to address any concerns that parents may have regarding teething.
The process of a paediatric consultation:
- Book an appointment with a dentist closest to you. Find the closest branch near you familydentalcare.co.za/contact-us/
- Create excitement for your child’s consultation with the dentist. You can do this by explaining to them who they’re visiting and show them your excitement for this too.
- The dentist will introduce themselves to you and your child before entering the dental room.
- Whilst in the dental chair, the dentist will put your child’s favourite show on the TV screen above the dental chair.
- The dentist will do a full evaluation of your child’s teeth and will do a cleaning if necessary
- In some cases, the dentist may recommend your child have fissure sealants done to prevent any future cavities.
- They will chat with your child throughout the whole process, making them more comfortable throughout.
- Communication between you and the dentist will be consistent and transparent.
- You are encouraged to ask the dentist any questions that you may have regarding your child’s teeth or their oral hygiene.
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