Your whole family is welcome at RB Dental and that includes children at every stage of development.
Our modern equipment insures that our office has adaptability from our dental chairs to our Panoramic machine.
From infants through teenagers our team is equipped and ready to care for the developing dentition of the younger members of our community.
Information for parents
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How should I clean my babies teeth?
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You may use a damp cloth to swab the littlest mouths, but as your baby grows use a soft bristled toothbrush with a small head to clean teeth and gums. There are many specially designed toothbrushes for infants available on the market.
When do I start using fluoride toothpaste for my baby?
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It is recommended to start using fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first teeth erupt. Special attention must be paid to the quantity; use only a smear of toothpaste (an amount about the size of a grain of rice) for children under 3 years old; then use a pea-sized amount for children aged 3 to 6 years old. These guidelines have been adopted by the American Dental Association in an effort to "provide children with the full benefit of cavity protection while limiting their risk of developing fluorosis; which is a mild discoloration of teeth usually appearing as faint lines."
When should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?
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Your child should see the dentist when their first tooth appears, or by age one, which ever is first. These early visits establish a dental home for your child and help build confidence about seeing their "tooth doctor". The child is introduced to the clinical setting, the dental chair, and the various instruments that are used. We will count teeth and review oral hygiene with the child's caregiver and also discuss any issues or concerns you may have. Usually by age three when they are able to spit, we will include a cleaning when they come in for their exam. Some little ones will tolerate the spinning prophy cup but mostly the doctor or hygienist will use a manual toothbrush.
How does my child's diet affect their dental health?
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Children must have a balanced diet in order for their teeth to develop properly. A diet that is high in sugars and starches can run the risk of developing tooth decay. There is no need to completely eliminate all sugary and starchy foods from your child’s diet, just select and serve them wisely.
Food with sugar or starch is safer for teeth if served with other food or a meal, and not just as a snack. Also be aware that it is the frequency of exposure to sugar and not just the quantity of the sugar that most significantly affects oral health. For example, if a child eats a packet of gummy fruit snacks at one sitting there is less attack on their teeth than if they grazed on that same packet over a period of time.
Additional content for parents:
www.aapd.org (make sure you click on the mouth monsters!)