Childrens' Dentistry

Your child's first visit

The first "regular" dental visit should be just after your child's third birthday. The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. The parent may be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.

We will gently examine your child's teeth and gums. We may clean your child's teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most important of all, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child's teeth.

What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?

We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way that you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store.

Your child's reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.

Here are some "First Visit" tips:

Bring your child with you during one of your routine visits for a "preview" or tour of the office and, more importantly to your child, the toy box. Read books with them about going to the dentist. Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit. Keep it simple. Dr. Do will count your teeth and brush them with his special toothbrush. Speak positively about your own dental experiences

During your child's first visit the dentist will: Examine your mouth, teeth, and gums Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking Check to see if you need Fluoride Teach you about cleaning your teeth and gums Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.

What about preventive care?

Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand in hand. At our office, we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest in sealant technology to protect your child's teeth. Sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay prone back teeth. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child's lifetime of good oral health.

Cavity prevention

Most of the time cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods, carbohydrates, and a lack of brushing. Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly, of course, can help. Frequent snacking often becomes the source of decay.

Every time someone eats, an acid reaction occurs inside their mouth as the bacteria digest the sugars. This reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes. During this time the acid environment can destroy the tooth structure, eventually leading to cavities. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating, if you can't brush, is a simple way to interrupt the acid environment.

We encourage young children to learn to brush and floss their own teeth, followed by a second brushing by the parent. Two minutes of brushing, two to three times a day