The Tooth Fairy Likes Clean Baby Teeth, and So Do We!

Every first in your child’s life is a momentous occasion, but there are a few firsts that aren’t so much exciting as they are nerve-wracking. I can think of three off the top of my head that most parents anticipate with a mixture of dread and pride: their child’s first shots, their first time behind the wheel alone and their first dental cleaning.

If you’re like the 90,000,000 Americans who fear the dentist, then it’s understandable that you’d be iffy about sending your little one in to do the very thing you’ve been putting off doing yourself for years. However, fear of the dentist is purely psychological, and the best thing you can do for your child’s health is to put that fear aside and show them that there is nothing to be afraid of. Because the truth is, there isn’tanything to be afraid of.

A dental cleaning is the simplest, most pain-free procedure we do. It is also one of the most important ones. A cleaning helps us eliminate any plaque or tartar build-up and prevent tooth decay from wreaking havoc on your child’s smile.

Many people think that maintaining baby teeth isn’t important. After all, they’re just going to fall out, right? While it’s true that they are just going to fall out, it’s a mistake to assume that the adult teeth aren’t affected by baby teeth. They are.

Tooth decay in baby teeth can affect the health of adult teeth. If a baby tooth is infected, that infection will spread to developing permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost from decay, the other teeth will move into that empty space, resulting in crowded permanent teeth.

Don’t underestimate the importance of that first cleaning. Put on a brave face for your child, and both you and he/she will realize that all that built-up anticipation was for nothing. Even better, you’ll rest assured knowing that your child has a squeaky-clean smile and is on the road to great oral health.

To learn more about what the first cleaning entails and how to prepare them, visit: http://www.lakeshorefamilydentist.com/library/23/PreventionTipsforChildren.html To schedule your initial consultation today, visit http://www.lakeshorefamilydentist.com/appointment.html or call 651-429-3348.