MFD –dental center has a special interest in children’s dentistry and has a very gentle and caring nature. Our dental office has been approved as Child dental center through an INDIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION (IDA) . MFD –dental center office received their accreditation in MAY 2011after going through a number of qualifications, and is pleased to provide a practice that is so in tune to child awareness and comfort.
We Make Your Child’s First Visit Exceptional
Any first experience in your child’s life should be memorable and fun! At MY Family Dental we ensure that your child’s first dental visit is happy and full of fond memories. Our “Happy Visit” is just that, a fun experience, where we can check the teeth and build up trust with your child. Trust is something we believe is key for any child to feel comfortable. The FUN factor is essential…your child will leave our office smiling and happy!
Our appealing playroom will immediately make your child feel welcome. MFD gentle charm will help your child feel calm and secure. Children rave the helium balloons and goodie bags they take home. The best part of the visit is the “surprise” memento that comes in the mail following your child’s 1st “Happy visit”.
INFANT ORAL HEALTH :
To prevent dental problems and learn how to care for your baby’s teeth, we recommend that you visit our office when the first tooth erupts or no later than your baby’s first birthday.
We specialize in infant oral health exams and parent education. We have found that when a parent begins to take care of their child’s teeth early, they have fewer cavities and are more cooperative for toothbrushing and flossing.
Baby teeth are needed for proper chewing, learning to talk, developing jaw muscles and good self image.
Cavities in very young children cause pain and can lead to infection. Taking care of your baby’s teeth can prevent severe tooth decay, encourage proper nutrition and ensure a future of healthy permanent teeth.
We recommend that both mom and dad come to their baby’s first visit.
His early appointment is one of the best things you can do for your baby. The doctor will examine his/her teeth, check for decay, make sure teeth are coming in the right order, screen all the oral tissues for diseases and determine proper jaw development.
There will be plenty of valuable information given to the family about how to brush baby’s teeth when they wiggle, nutrition and how it relates to the growth of the teeth, brain and body, and what to expect during teething. We will be able to answer all of your questions and help you and your baby become comfortable with dentistry and our office.
During this appointment you will learn how to effectively clean your baby’s teeth starting with the use of gauze or a washcloth when the first tooth appears and the correct way to use an infant safety toothbrush. Toothbrush sizes and styles can vary. We will help you determine what products are right for your baby. We will inform you when you should start using fluoridated toothpaste or if your child can benefit from other sources of fluoride.
Toddlers are very active, especially when learning how to walk. We know you will appreciate learning what to look for and what to do if an injury to the mouth or teeth occurs.
Many parents are often concerned about thumb and pacifier habits and if they can cause long-term damage. We can offer some strategies on how to stop these habits and inform you about the problems that can arise with prolonged sucking behaviors.
We are looking forward to meeting your family and are excited that you are proactive in the health and dental care of your baby. Our dental team will join you in creating a safe, positive and loving environment while meeting the needs of your special little one.
We schedule field trips to our office for preschool classes and parent groups. Please refer to Group Office Tours.
Infant Dental Care
Begin cleaning the baby’s mouth with a clean damp washcloth. Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle, sippee cup or while breastfeeding. This habit may cause cavities when your baby has teeth especially if milk, formula, juice or other sweetened liquid is used. Only water should be put in a bottle or cup if your child cannot fall asleep without it. While your baby is breastfeeding, wipe the teeth with a damp washcloth as soon as he or she falls asleep and stops sucking. Sharing items such as spoons, pacifiers, toothbrushes and toys can spread cavity-causing germs between caregiver and baby and between babies themselves.
Start a habit of brushing twice a day when the first tooth comes in. Use soft-bristled toothbrushes designed for babies with water or a very small amount of non-fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride containing toothpaste can be used when your child can spit. Consult your pediatrician or pediatric dentist about other sources of fluoride supplementation for your child.
It is normal for a baby to cry while tooth brushing. Babies also cry when they are bathed, dressed or changed. Be calm and methodical while continuing to give proper care to your child’s teeth.
With time he/she will appreciate your gentle attention to his/her teeth and will allow you to clean without protest.
TEETHING
When teeth begin erupting, some babies have sore or tender gums and may complain. Gently rubbing your child’s gums with a clean finger or a wet washcloth can be soothing. You can also give your baby a clean teething ring to chew on, but never dipped in sugar or syrup. If your child is still uncomfortable, consult your dentist or physician.
Contrary to common belief, fever is not normal for a teething baby. If your infant has an unusually high or persistent fever while teething, call your physician.
GET IT DONE BY AGE ONE
PACIFIER & THUMBSUCKING
Prolonged use of pacifiers can harm the teeth just like prolonged thumbsucking, although it is often easier to wean a child from a pacifier than a thumb.
If the child continues thumbsucking or pacifier use past the age of four, they may develop crooked teeth, a malformed upper jaw and speech problems.
The specific issue will depend on the frequency, duration, intensity and position of the thumb in the child’s mouth. Some helpful hints on breaking the habit include:
Wait until the time is right (low stress).
Praise them when they are not sucking (positive reinforcement).
Use a reward system.
Read “David Decides About Thumbsucking – A Story for Children, A Guide for Parents” by Susan Heitler, PHD
Participate in our Thumbsucking Program and earn Toys-R-Us gift cards.
BABY TEETH ERUPTION CHART :
WA baby's front four teeth usually erupt firstThe twenty baby teeth are alreadyforming before birth. A baby’s front four teeth usually erupt first, typically at about six to eight months of age, although some children don’t have their first tooth until twelve months old. The rest of the twenty baby teeth appear in pairs along the sides of the jaw until the child is about three years old. The pace and order to their eruption varies.
The first permanent teeth begin to erupt at about age five to six and include molars behind the back baby teeth along with lower central incisors. Some permanent teeth replace baby teeth and some don’t. This process will continue until approximately age fourteen.
All children have different eruption patternsDon’t worry if some teeth are a few months early or late as all children have different eruption patterns.
DENTAL CARE PRESCHOOLAR
Your toddler is learning to walk, talk, and even feed. To be sure their mouth is healthy and ready to speak clearly, see if they are getting full benefit from the food that actually makes it into their mouth. Find out what to look out for during those frequent visits to a pediatric dentist.
Benefits of a Fixing Primary (Baby) Teeth
Primary teeth hold space for and guide permanent teeth into their proper position.
If a primary tooth, especially a back primary tooth (molar) is extracted (pulled) early, a space maintainer is needed. A space maintainer holds space so that a permanent tooth will have a slot to come in to. The back primary molars are lost around age twelve.
If cavities are not fixed when they are small, they can get very large and get into the nerve of a primary tooth causing pain and infection. Children have been hospitalized with facial infections resulting from infected (abscessed) teeth. It is recommended that cavities be fixed in primary teeth to prevent pain, swelling and infection.
Front primary teeth are important to how a child looks. Young children are developing a self-image. Healthy teeth and a pretty smile should be a big part of their self-image.
Children with healthy mouths chew more easily and gain more nutrients from the foods they eat.
These children learn to speak more quickly and clearly.
These children have a better chance of general health because disease in the mouth can endanger the rest of the body.
A healthy body is attractive and can help children form a positive self-image. A bright smile can help win the confidence of peers and teachers.
Healthy teeth save time and money. Preventive dentistry far less expensive than restorative (fillings & crowns) dentistry, so keep those six-month check-up/dental cleaning appointments. Most dental cavities are preventable with sealants, good diet habits and good oral hygiene.