Need to know2022-01-13T10:43:00+02:00

Need to know

When will my child’s teeth erupt?2019-06-16T20:00:45+02:00
We are born with 2 sets of teeth:
  1. Primary/baby teeth – 6-8 months.

At 2-3 years of age all 20 primary/baby teeth should be present.

  1. Adult teeth – start to erupt at age 6, 28 teeth at age 12, 7 in each quadrant, 4 wisdoms erupt at age 17.

 

Baby (primary) Teeth2019-06-16T19:54:41+02:00
  • Why are “baby teeth” important?

Baby teeth help with the development of the jaws, speech development, is a space maintainer for adult teeth and acts as a pathway for eruption of permanent teeth.


 

  • What are teeth made of?
  1. Enamel-outer layer that consist of dense protective crystals.
  2. Dentin-middle layer, is more yellow, is softer than enamel, cause pain if disposed.
  3. Pulp-inside chamber filled with blood vessels and nerves*Want to insert a photo

 

  • Different types of teeth?
  1. Incisors-front 4 teeth-function: bite and cut.
  2. Canines-next to incisors-function: rip/tear food.
  3. Premolars-NOT PRESENT IN BABY DENTITION-function: mash food when we chew.
  4. Molars-back teeth-function-grind and crush food before swallowing. *Want to insert a photo

 

  • What do I do for teething?

Rub gums with a clean finger, back of a cold spoon or a cold wet cloth or a teething ring.

AVOID teething biscuits because they contain sugar that can cause cavities.


 

  • How are baby teeth replaced by permanent teeth?

 

  • Why are space maintainers needed?
How does fluoride help my child’s teeth?2019-06-16T19:53:53+02:00

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, repair weakened (decalcified) enamel and affect the bacteria that cause cavities. Fluoride can be obtained systemically through fluoridated water and fluoride tablets or drops as your child is growing. Secondly fluoride can be applied at Dr Tooth Little’s surgery, brushing at home with fluoridated toothpaste and fluoride rinses.

What is a sealant and does my child need dental sealants?2019-06-16T19:53:26+02:00

Yes. Molar teeth have deep groves on the chewing surfaces where plaque accumulates. When you seal these surfaces with an adhesive coating/sealant you prevent food from sticking to these grooves and reduce the risk for decay. Without sealants, these surfaces are difficult to keep clean, even with regular brushing. Sealants are a quick procedure and your child doesn’t need an injection to numb the tooth. Sealants can crack or fall out with chewing, eating and grinding habits. Therefor 6 monthly examinations are required to evaluate the condition of the sealants.

IMPORTANT:

– After placement of a sealant may feel high for a day of two. It will shape itself by the opposing tooth.

– Limit eating hard or sticky sweets.

– Avoid eating ice.

How important is a child’s diet in cavity prevention?2019-06-16T19:52:46+02:00

It is not only WHAT they eat but also how FREQUENT they eat. Frequent snacking without brushing leaves food on the teeth longer, the acidity in the mouth increase and the likelihood of cavity formation increase.

When should my child start using dental floss?2019-06-16T19:52:18+02:00

The ideal baby dentition has 1mm gaps between the teeth. If this is not the case and the teeth are crowded with no gaps, flossing should start as soon as 2 teeth are in contact with each other.

When should my child start using toothpaste?2019-06-16T19:51:18+02:00

12 months to 2 years old, pea sized amount of non-fluoridated toothpaste

2-3 years supervised brushing with pea sized fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure your kid spit out the toothpaste and therefor the fluoride.

Dr Tooth Little’s secret to get Kids to brush their teeth:2019-06-16T19:50:57+02:00
  • Tell: explain in age appropriate language how to brush and floss and why it is important
  • Show: Let kids watch you brush and floss
  • Do: Help your kids to brush and floss in the morning and before bed till they are 4 or 5. Let them brush and then you have to brush too. Keep a routine
What is plaque?2019-06-16T19:50:28+02:00

Plaques is a sticky film in which bacteria breed.

How can I prevent baby bottle tooth decay?2019-06-16T19:49:55+02:00
  1. Avoid prolonged bottle feeding habits.
  2. Encourage your child to drink only from a regular cup by their 1ste birthday.
  3. If you must give your baby bottle at bedtime, it should contain water only.
  4. Avoid sugar/honey in tea.
  5. Avoid frequent and long term exposure to fruit juice, fizzy drinks
  6. After each feed remove plaque by wipe your baby’s teeth and gums with damp cloth.
What is baby bottle tooth decay/baby bottle syndrome/bottle rot?2019-06-16T19:49:31+02:00

It is the result of frequent and long-term exposure of baby teeth to liquids containing sugar (artificial or natural) – fruit juice, fizzy drinks, baby formula, breast milk.

Can babies get cavities?2019-06-16T19:49:08+02:00

Yes, babies can get cavities as soon as their teeth emerge into the mouth. It may be associated with prolonged breastfeeding, a high-sugar diet and nighttime bottle feedings.

Dr. Tooth Little 2-2-2 rule2019-06-16T19:48:46+02:00

Visit Dr. Tooth Little TWO times a year, brush and floss TWO times a day for TWO whole minutes!

How can I prepare my child for the first visit?2019-06-16T19:48:15+02:00

Talk to your child about what to expect in a positive manner, use books recommended on our reading list (needs to add this somewhere), show them Dr Tooth Little’s Wall of Fame and website, do not add too much detail, NEVER talk about your own dental anxiety in front of your child, ask others to respect this too.

NEVER scare your child when his naughty with words like” when you don’t listen I will take you to the dentist for a shot”. Don’t lie to your child if he asks you if he will get an injection, tell him you are not sure.

Be honest and explain that sometimes a tooth needs to be numbed. We will be using words like sleepy juice.

Important: Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep. Early morning appointments are better for young children since they are less tired.

Try to give a liquid breakfast before a dental appointment

What happens during the first visit?2019-06-16T19:47:32+02:00

Your child’s first visit to Dr Tooth Little will mainly be an introduction to the dentist and his equipment. Dr Tooth Little prefers to have the parents in the room with the children, seated on Mom or Dad’s lap. They will ride up and down on the dental chair, get to touch and play with the dental mirror, “count” their, Mom’s, Dad’s and brother/sisters teeth. Take a photo for the “Wall of Fame” and get a free gift. You also have the option to enroll your child with the Dr Tooth Little Club.

We want to make it fun and play games to achieve our main goal: put your child at ease. Secondly we want to diagnose and treat problems early and potentially eliminate larger problems down the road.

When should I schedule my child’s first visit with Dr. Tooth Little?2019-06-16T19:47:01+02:00

When the first tooth erupts or when they are 1 year

Contact us for more information




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