Lexington Family Dentistry

We start seeing little ones at age 1.  These visits are informative for you and positive experiences for your child.  We do a complete visual exam and apply fluoride to reduce the risk of getting cavities.  Most children that start out this way are ready for a full exam around age 3 and remain happy healthy patients for years to come.

 

Things you should know about your child's baby teeth:

1. Baby teeth "hold the space" for the permanent teeth to come in.  If your child loses a baby tooth early (from a cavity or other complication) the permanent teeth may end up severely crowded or crooked.  Braces are often needed to correct alignment issues and sometimes permanent teeth need to be pulled if too much space is lost.

2. If your child has multiple baby teeth with cavities it may indicate:

• too much sugar/processed carbohydrates in his/her diet has made the mouth bacteria extra strong.  This bacteria produces acid that burns holes into teeth fast!  If the permanent teeth erupt into this environment they will get cavities too.

• The teeth are not being effectively brushed.  Most kids need help brushing until they are 7.

• Mouth breathing.  If a child has trouble breathing through his/her nose he/she may grind their teeth or sleep with an open mouth.  Dry, open mouths can lead to cavities.

 

Children of all ages are welcome!  We work together to help little mouths grow into bright healthy smiles.