An Overview Of Infant Dental Exams

According to the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) guidelines, infants should initially visit the pediatric dentist around the time of their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts.  First visits can be stressful for parents, especially for parents who find that they have dental phobias themselves.

Good oral health is an important part of total health, and your child deserves the best! To give your child a healthy start in life, it is important to take care of his or her teeth and gums. You can protect your child from dental disease with daily cleanings, regular visits, and good nutrition.  Other than water, sugar is in almost everything that a baby drinks, including breast milk and formula. If not properly cleaned your child is at risk to develop tooth decay. It is therefore important that your child undergoes regular dental exams at our Parkland Kids Dentist, Mighty Children’s Dentistry, Parkland, Florida. This is a vital component of preventive health care.

An infant dental exam involves cleaning of the child’s teeth and evaluation of his or her risk of dental decay. Your child’s Pediatric Dentist in Parkland, Dr. Aurelio A. Bula, at Mighty Children’s Dentistry will discuss very important issues bordering on your child’s dental health such as oral hygiene habits and diet. Important dental healthcare techniques such as flossing and proper brushing and prevention of oral injuries will be discussed with parents.

Why Should Your Child Go For A Dental Exams?

Good oral health is very important for a child. Regular infant dental exams at Mighty Children’s Dentistry, Parkland, Florida will help safeguard your child’s dental health. With a regular dental exam, Dr. Aurelio A. Bula, Pediatric Dentist will identify dental defects on time and treat them. You will also be given tips on how to care for your child’s teeth.

When Is The Right Time For An Infant Dental Exams?

The frequency that infant dental exams should be conducted depends on a number of factors including health, age, and the risk of dental decay. You may consider the following guidelines:

6 months – one year of age:

According to the American Dental Association and The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, infant dental exams should be scheduled after the eruption of the child’s first tooth. It shouldn’t be done later than his or her first birthday. It’s best to meet the dentist when your child is not having dental problems. If you are looking for a Parkland Kids Dentist, call Mighty Children’s Dentistry.

Ages 1 – 3 (Toddlers):

As a general guideline, dental exams should be done regularly at an interval of six months to ensure a healthy smile.  Your child may call for more frequent or fewer visits depending on their risk factors. During regularly scheduled dental visits your Pediatric Dentist in Parkland, FL will check that your child is meeting his or her dental milestones.

Preparing For An Infant Dental Exams

Schedule your “well baby” infant dental exam with Dr. Aurelio A. Bula, at Mighty Children’s Dentistry.  Dr. Bula is a Specialized Pediatric Dentist that offers a “kid friendly” environment and specialized equipment designed for children.

Preparing your infant for a dental exam will involve the following steps:

  • The visit to the dentist should be well-timed. Your infant dental exams is best scheduled when the child is rested, and happy. At this time, he or she will cooperate with the dentist.

  • Take another adult along for the visit. Sometimes infants become fussy when having their mouths examined.  Having another adult along to soothe the infant allows the parent to ask questions and to attend to any advice the dentist may have.

  • Leave other children at home. Other children can distract the parent and cause the infant to fuss.  Leaving other children at home (when possible) makes the first visit less stressful for all concerned.

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What Happens During An Infant Dental Exam?

The events that take place during an infant dental exam depends on the child’s age & treatment needs.

General events would include:

  • The infant’s teeth will be examined. Generally, the dentist and parent sit facing each other, also known as the knee to knee exam.  The infant is positioned so that his or her head is cradled in the dentist’s lap.  This position allows the infant to look at the parent during the examination.

  • A physical examination of the mouth will be done. The aim is to check for bumps or sores (most likely on the roof of the mouth or inside the child’s cheeks).

  • Removal of deposits and stains on your child’s teeth. A wet cloth or wet toothbrush will be used for this purpose.

  • Parent will be instructed on positioning and brushing techniques.

  • Fluoride assessment: The dentist will determine the amount of fluoride that your child is getting (either through dental care products or diet).

  • Evaluation of the child’s risk of dental decay, eating and drinking habits, oral hygiene, and general health.

  • If there is need for a fluoride supplement, the dentist will prescribe it.

What Happens After An Infant Dental Exams?

At Mighty Children’s Dentistry, in Parkland, Florida we value your child’s dental health.  Life can become hectic, in order to obtain your preferred date and time for your child’s follow-up visit (usually every 6 months). Schedule your appointment prior to leaving our office.

Make an Appointment Today! Our Pediatric Dental team, headed by Dr. Aurelio A. Bula is ready to give you the smile you’ve always wanted!

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