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Soft Touch Dentistry
1214 Paragon Lane O'Fallon, Illinois 62269
| How do I prepare my child for the first dental visit? Be low-key about the visit. Your baby has no reason to be afraid of the dental visit but can sense fear from a parent or other relative. However, there is nothing to fear. During a first visit, your child may enjoy a "ride" in the dental chair, play with a mirror, and generally experience the sights and sounds of the dental office. And relax – Dr. Thompson is experienced in dealing with kids, and she doesn’t expect perfect behavior. |
| Pediatric Dentistry (Child Dentistry) O'Fallon, Illinois The earlier the dental visit, the better the chances of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly and smile with confidence. It's important to start your child on a lifetime of good dental habits, and that's why an early visit to the dentist is very important. |
(618) 622 - 5050
| Soft Touch Dentistry 1214 Paragon Drive O'Fallon, IL 62269 www.DrSarahThompson.com (618) 622-5050 |
| Why are sealants important for my child's teeth? When back teeth are developing, grooves are formed on the chewing surfaces. They are impossible to keep clean because the bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach into them. Therefore, pits and grooves are snug places for plaque and bits of food to hide. Sealants are clear, shaded plastic materials that can be painted onto these decay-prone surfaces of the teeth. By forming a thin covering over the pits and fissures, the sealants keep plaque and food out of the crevices in the teeth, reducing the risk of decay. However, children must continue to brush and visit the dentist. |
| Why is fluoride important for my child's teeth? Fluoride forms mineral crystals in the tooth enamel, which protects teeth from the acid produced by bacteria. Very simply, fluoride keeps the bacteria from being able to attach to teeth. Fluoride is present in the water supply of many communities; many studies show that children drinking fluoridated water get fewer cavities than children who don't. |
| Why are baby teeth so important, anyway? Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, they are very important because they reserve space for permanent teeth when they come in. If a baby tooth is lost too early, new teeth may grow in crooked. Children who lose their primary teeth too soon require a space maintainer until their permanent teeth erupt. Otherwise, the teeth will tilt toward the empty space, causing the permanent teeth to come in crooked. |
When do “baby teeth” first appear? Teeth begin to erupt at about 6 months of age. The tooth appears first and the root begins to develop underneath. When a child's mouth is fully developed there should be 20 teeth -- 10 on the bottom and 10 on the top. Top and Bottom Teeth follow this similar pattern of growth. The very front teeth erupt between 6 to 12 months. Followed by the teeth next to them, then the canines, then the first molars, and then the second molars by 33 months. Under all this activity, the 32 adult teeth are forming. In fact, the adult teeth began developing when the baby was three months old. When do permanent teeth first appear? The permanent teeth do not erupt until the child is almost 8 years of age. They continue to erupt until the child is about 13 years old. Girls' teeth tend to erupt a little earlier than boys'. Wisdom teeth usually form between 12 and 16 years old, and do not erupt until 17 to 20 years old. When should I start cleaning my baby's teeth? At birth! Early care acclimates the baby to a lifetime of good oral care. Begin immediately to clean your baby's gums with a clean, damp washcloth. How can I help my child prevent cavities? Children are the most cavity-prone of all age groups. It is critical that children brush twice each day and floss once each day to remove plaque, the colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth and leads to decay and gum disease. A well-balanced diet and limited snacking also promote good oral health. Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses provide important protection. And, of course, regular dental checkups are important. Should I worry about thumb sucking? That depends on the duration and the severity of thumb sucking. In other words, how long and how severely does the child suck his or her thumb? In severe cases, prolonged thumb sucking can create crowded, crooked teeth and bite problems. Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants and generally they stop by the age of two years old. If your child doesn't stop by the age of four, Dr. Thompson may recommend alternatives. What type of toothpaste & toothbrush should my child use? Both adult’s and children’s toothpaste is safe, but children tend to swallow toothpaste sometimes, thus swallowing fluoride. Dr. Thompson recommends a children’s toothpaste in order to decrease the chances of overconsumption of fluoride in the child’s diet. Dr. Thompson does not recommend that children should use whitening toothpaste. Dr. Thompson recommends a soft brush with round bristles made of nylon and a flat brushing surface. How can I be sure my child is brushing properly? Dr. Thompson recommends that parents brush the teeth of children under 6 years old. Even when they are older, parents should continue to supervise and monitor their children's toothbrushing skills. When should my child begin flossing? Children should begin flossing as soon as any two teeth touch. Parents generally need to assist with flossing until the early teenage years. Again, check with Dr. Thompson to determine the appropriate method of flossing. |
| At what age should my child visit the dentist for the first time? Children should visit the dentist for the first time between 6 to 12 months. (Try not to wait until your child is in pain to bring him/her to the dentist. Preventive procedures are pain free, and your child should know that a trip to the dentist can be a comfortable and fun experience.) Most children need appointments every six months. However, children who are experiencing cavities or other dental problems may need to see the dentist more frequently. |
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| Sarah Thompson DMD |
| Soft Touch Dentistry 1214 Paragon Drive O'Fallon, IL 62269 (618) 622-5050 |