Your child should visit the dentist by his/her 1st birthday. You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to-do concerning the visit, the better.

It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt. Our office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.

Primary teeth are the first set of teeth in the growth and development of your child. They are also often called baby teeth. Primary teeth are important for: (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and (3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. While the front 4 teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) aren't replaced until age 10-13. It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth.

Thumb sucking is a natural reflex and infants and young children may use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers and other objects to make them feel secure, comforted or happy Since thumb sucking is relaxing, it may also induce sleep.

However thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of the permanent teeth can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment. How intensely a child sucks on fingers or thumbs will determine whether or not dental problems may result. Children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs.

Ideally children should cease thumb sucking by the time their permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Typically, children stop between the ages of two and four as peer pressure causes many school-aged children to stop.

Pacifiers can affect the teeth essentially the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs. Typically, use of the pacifier can be controlled and modified more easily than the thumb or finger habit. If you have concerns about thumb sucking or use of a pacifier, consult your dentist.

Your dentist can assist you, as needed, to encourage your child to stop sucking and explain what could happen to their teeth if they continue.

Stage 1 – Early Treatment: This period of treatment encompasses ages 2 to 6 years. At this young age, dentists are concerned with underdeveloped dental arches, the premature loss of primary teeth, and harmful habits such as finger or thumb sucking. Treatment initiated in this stage of development is often very successful and many times, though not always, can eliminate the need for future orthodontic/orthopedic treatment.

Stage 2 – Mixed Dentition: This period covers the ages of 6 to 12 years, with the eruption of the permanent incisor (front) teeth and 6 year molars. Treatment concerns deal with jaw malrelation and dental realignment problems. This is an excellent stage to start treatment, when indicated, as your child's hard and soft tissues are usually very responsive to orthodontic or orthopedic forces.

Stage 3 – Adolescent Dentition: This stage deals with the permanent teeth and the development of the final bite relationship.

One serious form of decay among young children is baby bottle tooth decay. This condition is caused by frequent and long exposures of an infant's teeth to liquids that contain sugar. Among these liquids are milk (including breast milk), formula, fruit juice and other sweetened drinks.

Putting a baby to bed for a nap or at night with a bottle other than water can cause serious and rapid tooth decay. Sweet liquid pools around the child's teeth giving plaque bacteria an opportunity to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. If you must give the baby a bottle as a comforter at bedtime, it is encouraged that it should contain only water. If your child won't fall asleep without the bottle and its usual beverage, gradually dilute the bottle's contents with water over a period of two to three weeks.

After each feeding, wipe the baby's gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque. The easiest way to do this is to sit down, place the child's head in your lap or lay the child on a dressing table or the floor. Whatever position you use, be sure you can see into the child's mouth easily.

AGE 0 – 2: A non- Fluoride toothpaste should be used. Only a smear amount of toothpaste is needed.

AGE 2 – 5: A pea-sized amount of Fluoride tooth paste is all that is needed. Make sure your child does not swallow the toothpaste.

Contact your dentist immediately. If you can, find the broken tooth fragment and bring it with you to the appointment.

We want each and every one of our patients to leave Pearl-E-Whites Dental Clinic with the brightest and most comfortable smile possible, through the best cosmetic and restorative procedures available. If you have any further questions that have not been answered, contact us today and a helpful staff member will be able to take your question. If you're simply looking for the best dental clinic or dentist in Shillong, head towards Pearl E Whites Dental Clinic where we blend art, science & technology to achieve exceptional results!

Schedule a consultation with Dr.Richa Shaha, where she can discuss with you the different procedures we offer, the process, cost and financing and more.