Tag: Babies

Losing Baby Teeth: What to Tell Your Child

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Losing Baby Teeth: What to Tell Your ChildIf your child is around six years old, it may be time to have a conversation about losing her baby teeth. Suddenly finding that her tooth is loose could be a very confusing or even frightening experience. Continue reading for some tips to help you navigate this conversation. 

How to Talk To Your Child About Losing Her Baby Teeth

Look for teachable moments

For most kids, the idea of losing baby teeth is not altogether foreign. Chances are, they’ve seen plenty of older kids with missing teeth so use this as a conversation starter. Rather than forcing the conversation on your child seemingly out of the blue, look for encounters your child may have with older peers and point out when the older child has a missing or loose tooth. 

 

This will not only demystify the experience but will help your child to realize that this is a common thing that happens to their peers, too. 

Have some fun with it

Add a little magic to the experience by bringing the tradition of the tooth fairy into your home. The excitement of the tooth fairy could very easily overshadow any anxiety your child may experience about losing her teeth. Even if your child seems disinterested in the fairy herself, nearly all children can get excited about finding a little money under the pillow the next morning. 

Be transparent about the process

It’s important to warm the child up to the idea of a tooth extraction. Explain that when the tooth decides it’s ready to come out, it will first become a little loose. Over time, the tooth should be able to wiggle back and forth with very little pressure. If the child feels any pain when wiggling the tooth, reassure her that the tooth will eventually fall out when it’s ready so there is no need to hurry it or rush it along. 

 

Another important reminder for your child is that a little blood along the gum is perfectly normal after the tooth is pulled. The bleeding should stop in just a few minutes, but if unexpected, the bleeding could scare the child and cause unnecessary anxiety. 

Schedule a Teeth Cleaning in Greenville, NC

Another way to prepare your child to lose her baby teeth is to schedule regular cleanings at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. We will partner with you in helping your child develop lifelong habits that will promote healthy dental hygiene practices. We offer pediatric dental services such as teeth cleaning in Greenville, North Carolina. 

 

Contact us today to schedule your appointment. 

How to Prepare Your Baby for Her First Dental Visit

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

How to Prepare Your Baby for Her First Dental Visit

As a new parent, you have so many doctor appointments and check-ups to remember that scheduling your baby’s first dental visit might be the furthest thing from your mind. So when should you take your baby to the dentist for the first time? Continue reading to learn more.

Your Baby’s First Dentist Appointment

When to Schedule

The moment your baby’s first tooth breaks the surface of her gums, she is susceptible to cavities and tooth decay. That’s why the general rule of thumb is that a baby’s first dentist appointment should be after her first tooth appears but no later than her first birthday.

Establishing dental hygiene habits early is the best way to avoid complications and cavities later in her life. This first appointment will serve as an opportunity to get the baby used to the idea of going to the dentist as well as offering a chance to share valuable information with you regarding oral health in her first years of life.

Things We’ll Discuss

Some of the things we’ll discuss in your baby’s first appointment will include topics such as healthy habits and diet. We’ll help guide you in teaching her how to brush her gums, even if her first teeth haven’t erupted yet. We will also talk about how giving her a bottle at night can lead to early tooth decay and other dietary subjects.

This is the perfect opportunity to bring questions about subjects such as teething, thumb sucking, and pacifiers. Subjects like these can feel overwhelming and we want to help you feel as informed and prepared as possible.

How to Prepare for Her First Visit

The best way to help your baby feel as comfortable as possible during her appointment is to eliminate the element of surprise. Explain who a dentist is and what she can expect when she arrives. Help her to practice opening and closing her mouth so she won’t be thrown off guard during her appointment.

Look for books or videos that can help explain her first visit to the dentist. Overall, let her see that you are excited and ready for the appointment, and she will follow your lead.

Schedule an Appointment in Greenville, NC

It’s not too early to schedule your baby’s first appointment at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. Our team specializes in providing excellent oral health care while making our younger patients feel as comfortable as possible. Give us a call or schedule your appointment today.