Preparing your Child for their First Trip to the Dentist

Your child’s first visit to the dentist is an important day in their life – the experience will likely set the tone for each dental trip to come. Most dentists recommend you bring your child in by their first birthday. But if your child is a toddler at their first visit, there are some easy ways you can make the trip more fun and less fearful.

Ways to Keep Teens and Young Adults on Track with Their Dental Care

For parents, instilling the importance of routine dental care in their children is an ongoing process. As kids grow up and become more independent and responsible, it's easy to assume that they're taking care of brushing regularly, flossing, and eating healthy snacks. Or is it?

Anyone living with teens and young adults knows that with their erratic schedules and sleep patterns that monitoring their activities, including dental hygiene, is far easier said than done. Some may even compare keeping tabs on these age groups similar to herding cats!

As a parent, maintaining the foundation for dental hygiene that you've built through childhood is difficult during this murky period. Here are a few suggestions from Dr. Melcher that should help:

• Appeal to your young person's vanity and remind them that having fresh breath and a white smile will make them more attractive to peers and others.
• Create two dental "tool-kits," one for home and one for their car or sports bag. Fill it with everything they could possibly need such as: a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, floss, dental rinse, tongue scraper, and lip balm. Encourage them to use all of the products and let you know when items need replenishing.
• Let them say "Yum" to gum. In recent years, the ADA has supported the use of sugarless chewing gum as an effective tool in the fight against tooth decay. According to the ADA, chewing gum after a meal increases the flow of saliva in the mouth, which in turn, "actually helps to neutralize and wash away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque on your teeth." However, not all chewing gum acts in this way-offer your young adults only sugarless brands that bear the ADA seal of approval AND discuss the proper disposal methods for chewing gum!
• Since nagging is usually ineffective, set your child up for success by having healthy snacks at home and plenty of water to drink. Make these items "grab & go" friendly and designate a specific pantry spot and another area in the fridge for cut-up fresh fruits and veggies, cheese, whole grain pretzels, crackers, packages of nuts and dried fruit. Also, purchase a few BPA-free water bottles and have them filled, chilled and ready to grab.
• In the ongoing quest to make brushing fun, discuss how brushing to some favorite music will ensure that proper brushing time is achieved. If music is not easily accessible, outfit the bathroom space with a small radio or mp3 player as an added incentive. A small, 3-minute hourglass style egg timer is another way to increase brushing time.
• For those young people who play contact sports, wearing a mouth guard and having a spare in their gym bag is non-negotiable!
• To encourage young people to be in charge of their dental health, make sure their dentist's office has their e-mail address and cell phone number as well as yours. That way, they will receive appointment reminders and any other helpful communications sent from their dentist's office.
• It's never too late to remind older kids about the importance of regular brushing and flossing along with the correct "how-to's," such as brushing gently in circles in the direction the teeth grow and flossing between every single tooth. Improper brushing can result in receding gums and gum disease.

Of course, scheduling regular checkups and cleanings are part of a successful dental health routine. Please call our office to schedule an appointment. Our team of dental professionals will also be happy to discus and demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques with your young adult or teenager. Just give us a call at: (919) 782-0548

Dental Sealants for Kids

Since they were introduced in the late 1970s, dental sealants have evolved into one of modern dentistry's greatest technological advances. Although fluoride use among children makes a significant difference in the fight against cavities, it is not a cure-all. The use of sealants in conjunction with fluoride, flossing, regular brushing, and routine dental visits, provides maximum protection against tooth decay for kids.

Because teeth contain a variety of nooks and crannies, the application of a topical sealant works to prevent bacteria and food particles from entering those hard to brush areas. Sealants are so effective because they are made of a clear plastic material, which is applied directly to the surface of the teeth. With children, sealants can only be applied after the teeth have fully erupted. For most kids, that means between the ages of 5 and 8 years of age.

In a child's mouth, sealants can be applied to both permanent and primary teeth. The material is actually brushed on the chewing surfaces of the molars and along the grooves and depressions of the teeth. For kids, the craggy surfaces of molars are the most common places to develop cavities. For adults, it's sometimes tough to reach all of the spots between the teeth, even with flossing and an electric toothbrush. That is why it is so important for youngsters to receive sealant treatment. They are still learning how to properly take care of their teeth.

The sealant application process is easy, fast, and painless. The tooth is cleaned, dried, and then the sealant is painted on. A special heat light cures or dries the sealant coat and that's it! Sealants are invisible and in no way interfere with a child's day- to-day activities, including playing an instrument, singing, or smiling. They last for years and if they become rough or cracked, they may be reapplied.

Please remember that dental sealants are just one part of an effective dental hygiene routine. Additionally your child should also:

• Brush twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between the teeth daily with floss or another interdental cleaner
• Eat a balanced diet, with healthy snacks-avoid sugary, sticky foods and beverages 
• Refer to these Tips for Great Dental Hygiene
• Visit Dr. Melcher and his friendly staff on a regular basis!

Call our office to consult with Dr. Melcher regarding dental sealants for kids: 919-782-0548

When Will My Child Lose His or Her Baby Teeth?

Just after the excitement has worn off about them all coming in, your child will begin to lose their baby teeth between the ages of 5 and 6. It’s a funny thing that the first teeth that come out are typically the ones that came in first. So, watch out for loose front teeth along the upper and lower rows. Following those first four top and bottom teeth, the ones that usually follow are the lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and the second molars.

Children can also lose teeth due to injury or tooth decay. When a tooth comes out before it should, crowding can occur and could force other permanent teeth to come in crooked. This is why it is oh so important to take very good care of the baby teeth. The dental hygiene habits and overall dental health established at an early age sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, or not! As a parent, it is your responsibility to make sure that:

• Your child brushes twice each day-this activity should be supervised by you. To make it easier and more fun, consider using an hourglass egg timer, a cool toothbrush and learning a few songs or poems about brushing, like this:
• Your teeth are important - they help you to chew,
• They help you to smile and say, "How do you do?"
• Be sure to take care of them morning and night
• By brushing and flossing, you'll keep your teeth bright.
• Make sure your child flosses each night before going to bed.
• Limit in-between meal snacks and do not allow your child to have sugary drinks, candy, or an excessive amount of sweets and processed foods. Think of healthy fruit, vegetable and whole grain options. You will be setting them up for success if you do this simple thing!
• Schedule regular trips to the dentist and discuss with your doctor or hygienist the choices of fluoride treatments and sealants.

When those first baby teeth become loose, they are the focus of all of your child’s attention. It can be an exciting time since this milestone usually means a visit from the “Tooth Fairy”. However, it can also cause a child anxiety as they worry about the pain they could experience when the tooth comes out. If your child begs you to help them pull a loose tooth, follow this procedure:

• Wash your hands thoroughly.
• Have your child take a seat, and you get down to their level.
• Hold plain tissue or gauze between your thumb and index finger so you can firmly grasp the tooth-Warn your child not to be afraid and that a little blood is no problem.
• A quick twist should do it!
• For teeth that are resistant, tell your child it is not time. Keep an eye on it, and schedule a visit to the dentist if it does not come out on its own.

As you wait to hear, “I’ve got a loose tooth!”, be aware that little girls usually lose their teeth before boys their age. Overall, the last baby tooth should have fallen out by the time your child is 13 years old.

For more ways to make brushing fun, check out these resources:

• Songs to help teach kids proper tooth brushing techniques 
• Brush My Teeth Kids Song

If you have questions about your child's baby teeth, contact Dr. Simon Melcher, visit his website or call us at 919-782-0548.

Caring for a Child's Baby Teeth

Why is it important to fix baby teeth that have decay; aren’t they going to come out soon anyway? The condition of a child’s teeth and gums establishes their future dental health, which is why it is vital to take excellent care of them. Even though they will lose their baby teeth, when decay is present, it will impact the development of the permanent teeth.

Unfortunately, today’s children are exposed to more sugary and processed foods than ever before. That fact alone is why parents of young children need to be extra diligent about their children’s oral health. Cavities form very quickly with youngsters, which is also why it is so important to help them brush and take care of their teeth. Although baby teeth will come out, when tooth decay is present, the permanent teeth will suffer. Common problems that occur when early childhood dental care is overlooked are:

• Weak permanent teeth
• Teeth that come in stained
• Pits and irregularities within the tooth enamel

Think of the baby teeth and their supporting gums as the foundation for the permanent teeth. When that foundation is jeopardized, the child’s future dental health is on shaky ground. Establishing good habits and making regular visits to your family dentist will ensure that your child’s oral health is on the right track and stays there! See Dr. Simon Melcher to ensure the health of your children's teeth, now and in the future.

When Should My Children First See the Dentist?

According to the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, children should be seen within the first year or within 6 months after their first tooth comes in (See: Kids' Dental Care Tips for Parents). This may seem too soon, however, early dental visits are key in establishing good dental health and learning how to prevent tooth decay. Here are a few topics that a dentist will address with their youngest patients and their parents:

• Tricks and methods for brushing and keeping a baby or toddler’s mouth and baby teeth healthy
• What are the child’s fluoride needs?
• When and how to begin using toothpaste?
• What type of tools to use with very small children, such as a washcloth or very soft toothbrush?
• How to prevent ECC or Early Childhood Caries that are often associated with drinking from or falling asleep with a bottle?
• What to expect and how to help your child adjust to the pain of teething?
• If there are any beginning signs of decay and what to do to avoid any future problems.

Bringing your children to the dentist early will help them become familiar with the dental visit experience and they are less likely to be fearful. Of course, it will also help them establish good dental hygiene habits for life!

Call 919-782-0548 to schedule an appointment for your child with Dr.Simon Melcher at Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh, NC.

Kids' Dental Care Tips for Parents

Helping your child develop a proper dental hygiene routine can keep their smile healthy throughout their lives. Studies have shown that children who practice proper dental hygiene early in life, are more likely to continue the habit well into adulthood. Although it may be tough for parents to get their little ones into the routine of brushing and flossing, it will certainly pay off in the long run.

Here are a few helpful hints for parents when it comes to dental care:

Use positive reinforcement - Don't use a trip to the dentist as a scare tactic. Reward proper brushing and flossing with praise or perhaps a small treat like a sticker or small toy.

Brush with your child - Young children especially like to imitate their parents' behavior. If your child sees you brushing and flossing regularly, chances are he or she will be more likely to follow suit.

Make it part of you and your child's routine - Make sure you allow extra time (at least in the beginning) for you and your child's dental routine. You will most likely have to help your child brush his or her teeth, which may take a little longer, or your child may need a few extra minutes of coaxing before they're even willing to brush.

Choose fun dental products that your kids will like - Whether its a toothbrush with your child's favorite cartoon character on it or some kid-friendly mouthwash that changes colors when they spit it out, your children may be more willing to engage in routine brushing if they are allowed to pick out the products they use. Just make sure any products you buy for your child are approved by the ADA and are safe for kids.

Kids should start their regular dental cleaning and check-ups at 3 years old.  You can consult with us to see if your child may be ready to start his or her visits with Dr. Melcher.  We work with patients of all ages - from toddlers to seniors.  Give us a call today to schedule your child's appointment: 919-782-0548.