TOP-RATED PEDIATRIC DENTIST IN STRATFORD, CT
Jump To: When Do Baby Teeth Come In, How To Take Care of Baby Teeth, Contact Us, How To Get Kids To Brush Their Teeth, Teeth Brushing Chart
Are you asking yourself – or Google – where can I find a good kids dentist near me?
At Hawley Lane Dental we have been providing children’s dentistry in Stratford, CT for years – we’ve seen patients from 1+ to 100+!
We are dedicated to providing a family-friendly environment.
Not only do we offer adults esthetic and advanced family dentistry services, but we also provide a welcoming kid-friendly environment.
WHEN SHOULD A CHILD HAVE THEIR FIRST DENTAL CHECKUP?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommend a child’s first dental visit by age one which is why we are happy to see babies here at Hawley Lane Dental, your top Stratford, CT dentist office.
If your child has teeth earlier than usual, their first dental visit should be 6 months after they cut their first tooth.
Not only will it help prevent a fear of the dentist, but it can also help detect any early dental abnormalities that may lead to problems in the future. Establishing a “dental home” by age 1 helps us work with parents to ensure their children’s teeth remain healthy for life.
WHEN DO BABY TEETH COME IN?
Baby teeth play an important role in your children’s oral development. They hold space for permanent adult teeth, help to manage a child’s bite, and allow for proper chewing, speech, and appearance.
Baby teeth will typically start to come in somewhere between the 6-12 month range.
The two bottom teeth at the front are usually the first to appear followed by the upper two. Then the ones around these four will break through the gums. After that the rest of a child’s baby teeth will sporadically appear until the full set of 20 teeth have broken through. Most children have their full set of teeth somewhere between 2 and a half to 3 years old.
Teething can be quite uncomfortable for babies. You can help alleviate this discomfort by gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger or giving them a teething ring or cool cloth to suck on. If your child’s teething is concerning you in any way reach out to an experienced pediatric dentist near you for consultation.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF BABY TEETH
It is important once your child begins getting teeth to take care of them properly. Wiping their mouth out with a wet cloth works well and then gently brushing them with an extra soft toothbrush designed for children will help prevent tooth decay from beginning to occur.
Once they are old enough, typically around the three-year-old mark, you can begin to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste, but you only need to use a very small amount about the size of a grain of rice.
It is important to teach your children about good oral hygiene and to get into the habit of brushing their teeth at least twice a day.
This will keep their smile white and bright for years to come.
ESTABLISH A HEALTHY DIET
Baby bottle decay is the number 1 cause of tooth loss in infants. Babies who are allowed to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice are much more likely to develop extensive decay leading to early loss of teeth.
Babies’ teeth should be cleaned before bed and they should never be given a bottle to sleep with. As they get older, only water should be placed in sippy cups. Children who drink all day from sippy cups filled with juice or milk have a higher risk for cavities.
Save milk and juice for meal times. Children should also be offered healthier meal and snack options as they grow. Limit sweets and carbohydrate-laden snacks.
TOP-RATED PEDIATRIC DENTIST NEAR YOU
If you live in or around Stratford, CT, and are looking for a kids dentist in Stratford, CT, look no further.
At Hawley Lane Dental we proudly serve Trumbull, Bridgeport, Shelton, and other surrounding areas with the same commitment we provide to our local patients.
We want your child’s first visit to the dentist to be a pleasant one.
Establishing a positive connection with them early on helps ensure they end up with the best oral hygiene, healthy teeth, and healthy smile possible.
We also are proud to offer no-needle dentistry in Stratford for our pediatric patients with the use of the Solea laser.
Contact our office, conveniently located near Target, Big Y, and the Marriott on Hawley Lane right off Route 8 and the Merritt Parkway for easy access, to book your appointment today.
HOW TO GET KIDS TO BRUSH THEIR TEETH: TIPS AND TACTICS
Getting kids to brush their teeth, or even having to do it for them, can be one of the most daunting chores a parent has to face on a daily basis.
We hear this frustration all the time at our Stratford, CT dentist office. In some cases the teeth brushing routine is as eagerly anticipated as the regular dental checkup (sarcasm) – but it doesn’t have to be.
No matter what the age, they must be told morning and night to go brush their teeth as if it’s something they’ve never heard of before. Forming a good dental hygiene routine when they are young will be of great benefit as an adult.
But this is easier said than done. It takes a lot of diligence day after day to keep your child on track.
As with any lesson you want to teach your kids, you need the right tools. It’s always easier to get a task done when making it fun rather than a chore.
So although your kids might not be as concerned about fighting plaque as you are, if you make it a game while teaching how to fight off cavities, they might even look forward to their new home care routine.
FUN HOME CARE TIPS
- Let your child pick out their favorite toothbrush and toothpaste (as long as it’s age-appropriate).
- Instead of using a timer for brushing, have your child pick out a favorite song and have them brush until it’s over.
- Sticker or reward charts work great for younger kids learning to brush on their own.
- Brush earlier in the evening when snacks are finished instead of right before bed. Children are more awake and tend to do a better job.
- For older children, they might like using a mouthwash that is tinted to show where they need to brush more.
TIPS FOR PARENTS
- Schedule your child’s first dental appointment as soon as possible.
- Brush your child’s teeth twice a day until they can do it themselves. Even then, check nightly to see if all the food is removed.
- Start flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they touch.
- If your child plays sports, use an age-appropriate mouth guard to protect the teeth from injury. Many mouthguards also protect from concussions as well.
- Discuss the benefits of sealants with your child’s dentist. Sealants help fill in the deep grooves on top of the molars preventing future cavities.
TEETH BRUSHING CHART FOR KIDS
We have a guide where we share some great tips on how to get your kids to brush their teeth.
Help your kids prepare for a visit to the dentist by practicing good dental care with our free downloadable brushing chart!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
- In the Family Key write the name(s) of your child(ren) and fill in each circle with a color or sticker for each child.
- Starting at the first of the month, after each flossing and brushing in the morning and at night, add your child’s color to the space for that day.
- When you reach the end of the month congratulate (or reward) your child on having saved their teeth for yet another month!
WHERE DO I START?
You have 2 options. Click here to download and print the PDF or drop by and pick up a copy of the fun chart at Hawley Lane Dental.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY:
“Dr. G is the best! My whole family has been going to Hawley lane dental for the last 8 years. They are very good with children, the environment is great and friendly. The office is very clean and the work they do is awesome ????”
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elizabeth Elliott
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