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Pediatric Dentistry

Reilly kids holding Smile pillow

The main goal of the first visit is to allow the child to become familiar with the office and have a positive experience. Dr. Reilly helps kids have fun and be comfortable in the chair while educating the parents on what to do and what not to do to promote good oral habits in their children.

Children are not born with a natural fear of the dentist. But they can fear the unknown and pick up on visual and verbal clues from their parents. Family friendly appointments in our office can help everyone feel calm and at ease. A child’s first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable. Not every child will tolerate teeth cleaning during their first visit.

Promote your child’s first dental visit as a fun experience and another step toward growing up. You want your child to feel calm and relaxed from the moment you arrive at the office. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel.

Pediatric Dental Appointments

Every member of your family needs regular dental cleanings and checkups. There is no age where a clean, healthy mouth is less important than any other time in life.

But scheduling dentist appointments for the entire family can be a hassle. That’s why we offer family-friendly scheduling at Three Rivers Dental. We have time slots that can accommodate parents and kids all in one booked appointment. These appointments allow you to keep your entire family’s teeth healthy without burdening your schedule!

When Should Your Child First Visit the Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. Your child’s newly-erupted teeth must receive proper dental care and they will benefit from the proper oral hygiene habits instilled at that first visit. Early care and positive experiences with the dentist lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles!

When Do Teeth Erupt?

Erupting teeth are when baby or primary teeth break through a child’s gums. Your child’s baby teeth begin to erupt around six months old.

Teeth continue to erupt until about age three. During the teething process, your child’s gums may feel tender and sore. To ease this discomfort, try rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. When your child has finished teething, they should have a total of twenty baby teeth.

Your child’s primary teeth fall out or shed at various times throughout childhood. Permanent or adult teeth begin erupting at age six and continue until age twenty-one.

Adults have twenty-eight permanent teeth. If you count wisdom teeth, which many adults do not have, you could have thirty-two teeth total.

Why Are Primary Teeth Important?

It is essential to maintain the health of the primary teeth. If a cavity develops and gets neglected, it can lead to problems that affect developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth or baby teeth are essential for:

  • Proper chewing and eating
  • Providing space for the permanent teeth
  • Guiding permanent teeth into the correct position
  • Permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles
  • Speech development

The front four baby teeth last until a child is six or seven. The rear primary teeth, called the cuspids and molars, aren’t replaced until ten to thirteen.

Developing Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

Father teaching child to brush teeth

Remember that sugary foods and liquids can cause cavities in a new tooth. That’s why your child must brush their teeth after eating.

Brushing their teeth four times a day is optimal for oral hygiene. The best times are after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and just before bedtime.

As your child’s teeth erupt, check for discoloration that could indicate tooth decay. If you notice signs of decay, contact our office immediately.

Brushing can be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a baby’s tooth erupts, parents should brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush, without toothpaste.

When your child is old enough to spit, which usually happens around age two, you can introduce toothpaste. Dr. Reilly will discuss proper brushing techniques and flossing with your child.

Preventing Tooth Decay With Regular Checkups

Sugars left in the mouth after eating or drinking can turn into an acid which can break down teeth and cause tooth decay. Children are at high risk for tooth decay.

That’s because many children and adolescents do not practice good oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing combined with regular dental visits help prevent tooth decay.

Your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We also recommend fluoride treatments twice a year to help keep teeth strong.

Tooth sealants are also recommended to seal the deep grooves in your child’s teeth. Sealing teeth helps to prevent decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years and get checked during regular checkups.

Care For All Ages

Dental care is essential at every age. It ensures your child’s teeth and gums stay healthy and reduces the risk of tooth decay and loss.

The kind of care for each age group varies. A toddler’s dental care requirements are different from a teenager’s or an adult’s care. It’s easiest for you to schedule dental appointments for your entire family to all go to the same office. At Three Rivers Dental, we provide dental care for all ages. Finding separate dentists for each person in your family can be a hassle. Then, ferrying everyone back and forth to different appointments creates extra work.

At Three Rivers Dental, we specialize in all age groups. We can treat every person in your family all at the same location. There’s no need to hunt for different dentists and offices to maintain your family’s oral health. It’s all in one office here.

If you’re looking for a convenient dental experience for the entire family, look no further. Dental care at Three Rivers Dental comes from the team you know and trust right here in our Greenland office.

Everybody gets treatment at the same location from the same team every time. You know us, and we know you from childhood through your adult years. There’s nothing more reassuring or convenient than that.

Is it time for a routine dental exam? Schedule an appointment for you or your whole family at Three Rivers Dental in Portsmouth, NH. Get the essential treatment you need conveniently from a team who knows and cares about you and your family!

Ready to Get Started?

We are committed to offering every client personalized, compassionate care that is based on their own dental vision and health values. We are here to assist you in achieving YOUR goals. Request an appointment to get started today!

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