3449 Valle Verde Drive, Napa, CA 94558
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3449 Valle Verde Drive, Napa, CA 94558
When should my child first see a dentist?
ANSWER: We see children at any age if there is a concern. Our recommendation is to start at one year of age to accomplish the following goals:
- Check oral development and rule out any problems.
- Teach parents effective hygiene and homecare.
- Apply long lasting fluoride varnish to all erupted teeth.
Is fluoride important?
ANSWER: Yes. Systemic Fluoride (drops or tablets) go through the body to the teeth as they are forming. It is used as a building block that produces stronger teeth and enamel. Topical fluoride (liquid, gel, or varnish) when applied to erupted teeth helps to increase the decay resistance of the enamel.
How can you prevent problems with baby teeth?
ANSWER:
Diet:
- Stop bottles and tippy cups by age one year.
- Avoid acidic drinks, i.e. soda.
- Avoid retentive foods especially sweets
Supplements:
- Use fluoride toothpaste as soon as the child can spit it out instead of swallowing it.
- Use fluoride supplements regularly.
- Use xylitol rich gums and candies to fight decay.
Hygiene:
- Brush teeth and gums daily as soon as one tooth erupts.
- Floss teeth daily as soon as two teeth erupt.
If a baby tooth is lost too soon what can be done?
ANSWER: A permanent space maintainer can be attached to the remaining teeth to hold their position in the mouth until the permanent tooth erupts.
Why is it necessary to brush and floss my child’s teeth?
ANSWER: Good dental hygiene (brushing and flossing teeth as well as gums) is essential to remove retained food debris which acts as a food source for natural oral bacteria which can produce harmful acids which soften the surface of the teeth and allow for cavities.
