At Bischoff Dentistry we strive to have each childs’ visit address his/her’s special dental needs and to create a positive experience. We make every effort to motivate and guide each child towards a healthy smile through education that is fun and entertaining. Baby Talk (Birth to 29 months) The primary teeth begin their development when the fetus is five weeks old, but do not appear in the mouth until the lower central incisors erupt at approximately six months of age. The normal ages of eruption vary greatly from child to child, although the sequence in which the teeth appear does not change. The primary teeth are of major importance to your child's appearance, thier chewing ability, and eventual health of his or her permanent teeth. Click Here to see a diagram of the progression of primary teeth growth.
Permanent Teeth (6 years old to 21 years old) Ideally, although not always, the first permanent molars are the first of the teeth to appear. Often mistaken by parents for primary teeth, these teeth, frequently called the "six-year molars," may emerge as early as five and a half years of age or as late as nine and a half years old. They appear behind the second primary molars; they do not replace them. At about the same time that the molars are appearing, the lower primary incisors are loosening in preparation to be lost and replaced by the lower permanent incisors. Pay special attention to maintaining the health of the four first permanent molars, which because of their large size and location in the mouth are of major importance to your child's chewing ability and critical to the development of the face and jaws. Click Here to view the progression of permanent teeth.
Your Child's First Visit We welcome the parent(s) presence during examination and treatment visits. However, this privilege will be evaluated according to each child's behavior. The parent(s) should be a passive observer at all times during the child's dental visit. We want your child's visit to our office to be a happy one. If your child has questions that are difficult for you to answer, please refer him/her to Dr. Bischoff for the proper answer and discussion. Your child's first dental visit in our office will include:
Sealants A sealant helps protect the your child's teeth from cavities. A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth. More than 75% of dental decay begins in these deep grooves. Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and are very susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface. Sealants can protect teeth from decay for many years, but need to be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental visits.
Fluoride Treatment Topical fluoride strengthens the teeth once they have erupted by seeping into the outer surface of the tooth enamel, making the teeth more resistant to decay. We gain topical fluoride by using fluoride containing dental products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, and gels. Dentists and dental hygienists generally recommend that children have a professional application of fluoride twice a year during dental check-ups.
Remember, fluoride alone will not prevent tooth decay! It is important to brush at least twice a day, floss regularly, eat balanced meals, reduce sugary snacks, and visit your dentist on a regular basis. Your Child's Home Care A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal when treating our young patients. Your child's personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal. Your child's personal home care starts by eating balanced meals, reducing the number of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease. Good Diet = Healthy Teeth Healthy eating habits lead to healthy, happy teeth. Like the rest of the body, the teeth, bones and the soft tissues of the mouth need a well-balanced diet. Kids should eat a variety of foods from the five major food groups. Most snacks that kids eat can lead to cavity formation. The more frequently you snack, the greater the chance for tooth decay. How long food remains in your mouth also plays a role. For example, hard candy and breath mints stay in the mouth a long time, which cause longer acid attacks on tooth enamel. If you must snack, choose nutritious foods such as vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cheese, which are healthier and better for your teeth. Tooth brushing Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.
Flossing Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.
Rinsing It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you. Use other dental aids as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist: Interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, medicated rinses, etc., can all play a role in good dental home care. Mouth Guards When you participate in recreational activities and organized sports, injuries can occur. A properly fitted mouth guard, or mouth protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can help protect your smile, and should be used during any activity that could result in a blow to your face or mouth. Mouth guards help prevent broken teeth, and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. Dr. Bischoff's entire dental team will provide exceptional care for your children. We create a fun, warm and relaxed atmosphere for your family. You will be impressed with our personal, individualized approach to treating your children. How well you take care of your teeth as a child has a lot to do with how long you keep your teeth as an adult. Your children will learn excellent oral hygiene habits that will last them a lifetime:
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