PRENATAL DENTAL CARE

Mom's teeth and gums need to be healthy as baby grows to ensure a healthy baby.

Published reports suggest that children acquire the bacteria that cause dental disease from their mothers. This occurs at an early age, around 26 months.

One research team discovered that women with periodontal disease were seven times more likely to deliver low birth weight babies prematurely.

FIRST DENTAL VISIT

Bring your child in for their first dental visit when their first tooth appears. If there's a concern, bring him or her in earlier than this.

If they go to bed with a bottle we suggest a visit in their first year. Depending on the child, we may be able to clean their teeth as early as age 3.

At their first visit, we'll check for developmental differences, talk about oral hygiene and other child-related dental issues. It's a good idea to familiarize your child with a dentist's office and staff before any hands on treatment.

CARING FOR YOUR CHILD'S SMILE

• ›  Have your child drink from a cup as soon as possible.
• ›  Don't send your child to bed with a bottle. Sending your child to bed with a bottle could cause extensive decay of the top front teeth, requiring repair or removal
• ›  Start cleaning your child's teeth as soon as they cut through the gums. Use a soft tooth brush or cloth to remove plaque daily with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated tooth paste.
• ›  Start flossing your child's teeth when the teeth's sides touch each other.

Contact us at Croydon Dental or stop by to introduce your child to the dentist.