• How to prepare your child for a visit
• At what age will you start seeing children?
• Can I bring my children to my dental appointment?
• What are sealants?
• How do teeth develop?

You can make your child's trips to the dentist a normal, even fun, experience. Because most children
have little or no preconceived ideas about dentists and dentistry, they are usually not afraid of having
a dental exam. However, children will pick up feelings, ideas, and anxiety about dental visits from their
parents. Therefore it's important to treat any dental visit as casually as a trip to the supermarket.

How to prepare your child for a visit to the dentist's office
One of the most successful ways to prepare your child for a dental examination is to have the child
accompany a parent or older sibling when they come in for an examination. This way the child becomes
familiar with the office before having his or her own examination. They usually get a toy from the toy
chest, see that there is nothing to be afraid of, and are happy to come back.

At what age will you start seeing children?
We recommend that your child begin their preventive dental care at the age of 3. At the first appoint-
ment a visual exam is performed, but the primary reason for the first appointment is to get your child
acclimated to the dental environment, and to create a positive dental experience. If your child is
complaining of a toothache before this time, please do not hesitate to call us so we can take care of any
issues before they become larger problems.

Can I bring my children to my dental appointment?
Safety is of our utmost concern. We want to make sure that you and your child are out of harm's way.
We also strive to provide all of our patients with a tranquil environment to receive their dental care. If
you have an infant we recommend that you bring someone that can tend to them when necessary. If
we need to take x-rays, the children will not be able to be in your room until those have been completed,
to ensure that they do not get exposed to the radiation.

If you are having an extraction or any other procedure that may be more invasive, we do not recommend
that your child be in the room with you. However, if your appointment does not fall into these categories,
or circumstances arise that it is necessary that you bring your children with you, we recommend that you
bring some toys that they may sit in the corner of your room and play quietly. Please call our office before
your appointment, we will be happy to let you know what treatment will be provided, so that you can
provide the best care possible for your children.

What are sealants?
Dental sealants are clear coatings that are applied to the top of a tooth. The sealant provides a protective
covering that keeps out plague and food, greatly decreasing the chance of tooth decay. Usually these
sealants are used to help prevent decay from developing in teeth in the rear of the mouth, the premolars
and molars, where it is often difficult to effectively clean the teeth with a toothbrush. Sealants are
especially good to use on children whose permanent teeth are in the processing of erupting and who are
still learning how to practice proper dental hygiene.

The application of sealants is usually a fairly quick procedure. First the tooth to be sealed is thoroughly
cleaned. Next, the dentist "conditions" the top of the tooth so that the sealant will adhere to the tooth's
surface. The sealant is then applied and allowed to set and bond to the tooth. As long as the sealant
remains intact, the chewing surface of the tooth is protected from decay. Often sealants last for several
years before a reapplication is necessary.

If you have any questions on whether your child may benefit from sealants, contact our office.

How teeth develop
From birth to around the age of twenty-one, your child's teeth are developing and erupting. Below we is a
list ofthe major changes that occur during development.

Birth to one year
At birth, a baby usually has twenty primary (baby) teeth. Between six months and one year,
the first primary teeth erupt. Usually the first teeth to appear are the four right in front. Within
the first year you should find a dentist and start bringing your baby in when the first teeth appear.
TIP Watch out for baby tooth decay from baby bottles.

One to three years
The primary teeth continue to erupt until all twenty are in, usually by the child's third birthday.
TIP Continue to monitor for tooth decay. Discuss how to care for your baby's teeth with your
dentist.

Three to six years
The child's jaw continues to develop in preparation for the eruption of permanent (adult) teeth.
Nutrition and oral hygiene habits are important to establishing a lifetime of good dental health.
TIP Thumbsucking should have discontinued by age three. If your child is still sucking their
thumb or pacifier, make an effort to work with your child to break them of the habit. Discuss
possible aids with your dentist or pediatrician.

Six to twelve years
Your child should be learning to brush their teeth, and often can do it without supervision by age
seven. Because flossing is more difficult, most children start around seven or eight. The primary
teeth are just starting to be shed as the permanent teeth start to erupt. The first permanent
teeth to emerge are the four front teeth called the central incisors. Next to erupt are the teeth on
either side of the central incisors, the lateral incisors.

By age eight, start looking out for malocclusion, the misalignment of teeth, also known as a "bad
bite". Discuss with your dentist treatment options. Also, discuss the use of sealants with your
dentist to help prevent tooth decay.

Thirteen to Twenty-one years
By now nearly all of the 32 permanent teeth are in except for the two most rear: the second and
third molar. The very last tooth, the third molar may erupt anywhere from age 17-21. By age
thirteen your child should be flossing everyday without supervision. It is recommended that your
child or young adult continues to see a dentist every six months.

Copyright © 2010 Elizabeth A. Nelson, DDS - 3113 Professional Drive, Suite 3 - Auburn, California 95603 - PH: (530) 885-8152