# Children's Dentistry

**A child's first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable. Children are not born with a natural fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. That's why Park Dental Clinic offers "FREE Tooth Fairy Day for your children." We want you and your children to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office.**

**When is it good time for my child?**

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends...

Children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that your child's newly-erupted teeth (erupting at six and 12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.

Also, your child’s first dental visit will set the stage for their oral health habits throughout their lifetime. Often times, people does not want to come to dental office because of bad experience. It does not have to be the case!

Let's make your children's first dental visit fun and enjoyable!

**Why their teeth are important?**

They are going to fall out anyway, right? Yes but No! It does not mean they are less important!

Those baby teeth are so precious! They are there for reasons. Your child needs to chew food! Most importantly, they act as placeholders for the permanent teeth. When they are lost too early, the other teeth may shift, causing the permanent teeth to come in crooked or at unusual angles. 

**My child always brush in the morning. Isn't It enough?**

No! Your child needs to brush before going to bed. Saliva does function to reduce caries activity. While we are in sleep, there's not enough saliva stimulation. Thus, entire mouth will become playground for tooth bug during the whole night. 

As your child's teeth erupt, be sure to examine them every two weeks, looking for lines and discoloration that may be caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing four times a day for optimal oral hygiene: after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and at bedtime.

Brushing can be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a baby's tooth erupts, parents should brush the tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For children younger than two, do not use fluoride toothpaste unless advised to do so by your dentist or other healthcare professional. We suggest reviewing proper tooth brushing procedures with your child.

Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and your Lewisville family dentist, Dr. Park will discuss with you the right time to start flossing. If you notice signs of decay, contact Lewisville Family dentist immediately.

**Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups**

Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into an acid, which can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents do not practice regular, good oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away.

Your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they "seal" the deep grooves in your child's teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your child's regular checkups.

**Call to Schedule Your Child’s First Appointment**

There are so many things to talk about! Your child's sucking habit. Dietary habit. Brushing technique. We can’t wait to meet your child and become a integral part of your child’s oral health! 

Give us a call at 469-293-2530and we’ll find a convenient time that works with you and your children's schedule.