Children's & Family Dentistry
Lyn Francis our dental therapist is especially trained in children's dentistry to treat your family
Primary teeth are important because they help with eating efficiently and are also crucial for speech development. A child who can chew easily, speak clearly and smile confidently will be a happier child. Healthy primary teeth allow normal development of the jawbones and muscles, save space for the permanent teeth and guide them into place. If a baby tooth is lost too soon, permanent teeth may develop crookedly.
Some dental problems begin very early in life. One concern is baby bottle caries, a serious condition caused by an infant on the bottle or the breast too long. Oral habits such as thumb-sucking should also be checked. We use sealant technology to protect your child's teeth commonly called fissure seals. Sealants are plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay prone back teeth.
Children need to use toothbrushes designed for children. Both adults and children should use brushes with soft, rounded bristles for gentle cleaning. Your brush should be changed at least every three months. To clean your baby's new teeth wipe gently with a moist, soft cloth. As they grow, use a child's toothbrush with a small, pea-sized amount of toothpaste. By the ages of 2 or 3 you can begin to teach your child to brush.
Preventive dentistry is to intervene early in order to correct problems in their infancy, therefore preventing them from becoming a major concern. Both children and adults benefit significantly from adopting a preventive dentistry philosophy.