Your pediatric dentist in Northampton and Amherst believes a child’s first dental visit establishes a lifetime of healthy smiles. Dr. Marie Tremblay and Dr. Europa Yang have excellent professional skills and chairside manners, helping kids and parents enjoy their dental care.
The First Dental Visit
Yes, children’s first teeth are “baby” teeth, but that doesn’t mean they’re disposable or unimportant. On the contrary, these little molars and incisors play a critical role in keeping smiles functional and attractive, ushering in adult teeth and keeping oral and overall health vibrant. That’s why the children’s dentists in Northampton wish to see kids by the age of one year to ensure baby teeth and gums are intact, functioning and developing correctly.
When parents bring kids to Northampton Pediatric Dentistry, they encounter a family-friendly atmosphere with a positive staff that really likes children. Parents should gently encourage kids that their visit will be easy and comfortable. Always, Mom and Dad are welcomed all through children’s routine visits and treatments.
For the littlest of patients, the doctor will simply look inside the child’s mouth as he or she sits on the parent’s lap. It’s really a get-acquainted visit so as the child matures, he or she is used to the atmosphere, doctor and office environment.
For toddlers on up, the dentist inspects each teeth and all gum tissue for decay and gingivitis, both of which are preventable or treatable with early intervention. (kids get gum disease as well as adults) In addition, the dentist notes the number and position of each tooth and sees which ones are ready to erupt. As the child grows, this information helps with orthodontics when needed and assessment of wisdom teeth for teens.
The hygienist carefully scales the teeth, removing plaque and tartar. She flosses and polishes the teeth and teaches families about:
- Daily flossing and twice a day brushing, with mom or dad supervising, as recommended by the American Dental Association
- Proper nutrition (low on starches and sugars and high on dairy, lean meats, water and fibrous fruit and vegetables)
- Safety during sports (wearing athletic mouthguards)
The dentist formulates a treatment plan individualized to your child’s age, health and development. Digital X-rays visualize tooth roots, bone structure and status of permanent teeth.
Frequently, the doctor advises plastic sealants. Applied right to the teeth, sealants cover the chewing surfaces which tend to decay more easily. Fluoride treatments are a great cavity preventive, too.
Additionally, the dentists make sedation options available for the nervous child and for any complex treatments, such as root canal therapy. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and in-hospital fully- monitored IV sedation help the young patient get through important procedures totally stress-free.
Enjoy Taking Your Child to the Dentist
The team at Northampton Pediatric Dentistry recommends six-month exams and cleanings for each young patient beginning once the first tooth erupts. If parents have questions, or if there is a dental emergency, the children’s dentists want you to call immediately for advice or a same day appointment at one of their two convenient locations.
Contact Northampton Pediatric Dentistry to arrange that first visit for your child. Bright, healthy smiles start right now.