Health + Wellness

All You Need to Know about Children’s Dental Health

May 1, 2018

Is this toothpaste safe for my 4 year old? Does my kid need braces?

There are always so many questions concerning dental health and children. I’m a mom and also happen to be a dentist, so I can calm your nerves. Spoiler alert! Most kids need braces, so don’t worry, but it is good to plan ahead.

I recommend that every child be seen by their dentist by their first birthday and have their first cleaning by age 3. It’s important to make sure these are positive experiences for you

r child because if they aren’t, they will always remember not liking the dentist, and this will set them up for a poor dental future ahead.

My advice: Find a general dentist that treats children regularly or make an appointment with a pediatric dentist. Choose someone you feel your child will be comfortable with. The best way to do this is by going to the dentist first yourself for a check up and a cleaning and judging the office, the staff, and the dentist before you take your child there. Also, take advantage of the amazing resource you have at your fingertips, the other moms at your child’s school. Find out who their children see and ask about their experiences with that dentist. It’s always better to trust word of mouth over an advertisement.

At my office in Bloomfield Hills, I treat patients of all ages. After talking to many moms, I’ve noticed that they are relieved to know that their kids have a second chance at taking care of their teeth when their adult teeth erupt. However, I want you to know that care for baby teeth shouldn’t be taken too lightly. It’s up to you to make oral hygiene a routine for your child and that starts as soon as they have their first tooth. A great way to make brushing their teeth a habit is to give your toddler a children’s toothbrush to play with. Since everything already goes into their mouth, this will get them used to using a toothbrush!

Seeing older patients in my office has helped me to understand what has the strongest impact on a lifelong, healthy smile. Straight teeth are healthy teeth. When your teeth are in a poor position they wear significantly faster than they normally would if they were in an ideal position. When your bite is off, your teeth experience forces that they cannot handle, and this leads to them needing fillings, root canals, crowns, and possibly removing the tooth. To avoid these problems, and set your child up for success, your child should see an orthodontist once they are 7 years old. They typically don’t need braces that young, but it helps us determine when we need to intervene before it’s too late!

Today, there are many options for orthodontic treatment, including traditional braces and Invisalign. Patients as young as 14 years old are undergoing invisalign treatment at my office. It’s an excellent option for busy moms compared to braces. Way less emergency appointments are needed and you don’t have to go to the dentist as often as you do with traditional braces. Another huge benefit is that it’s a lot easier to keep your teeth clean with Invisalign and patients won’t get white enamel scars.

The most common misconception about Invisalign treatment is that it’s purely cosmetic, when in reality it’s to improve the function of your teeth. The byproduct of having straight teeth is a beautiful smile.

I can talk about teeth and being a mom all day, so if you have any questions, send me a direct message on Instagram at @BiancaBoji.dds or make an appointment at my office.