Parent Teacher Magazine Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools March 2014 | Page 7

Carolina Kids Dentistry offers answers... Wouldn’t parenting be so much easier if each child came with an individual instruction manual? So many questions arise as your child grows that you need answered to help your child mature into the wonderful person they are meant to be! Carolina Kids Dentistry wants to be your trusted source for all those dental health questions. Most new parents ask when they should take their child to the first dental visit, and in coordination with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Carolina Kids Dentistry recommends that each child should visit and establish a dental home by their first birthday. The AAPD defines a dental home as a place where a child can receive consistent, compassionate dental care. When the first tooth comes in between 6 and 12 months of age, parents should visit a pediatric dentist to encourage early preventative care to protect your child’s smile for the future. The first visit gives parents the opportunity to gain knowledge and techniques for at home dental hygiene, nutrition, timing of fluoride introduction, and diet counseling for cavity prevention. Our mission is to create healthy, happy smiles through positive experiences, and preventing dental disease, and at Carolina Kids Dentistry we offer a free first visit for all children through 18 months of age. Children will have 20 primary teeth erupt between the age of 6 months and 3 years. 12 of those 20 teeth will be present usually until a child is 12 years old. If your child happens to knock out a primary tooth, do not attempt to re-implant as this can cause damage to the developing permanent tooth. If a permanent tooth is dislodged, however, rinse it in cool milk very gently without scrubbing and replace the tooth immediately in the socket. If you can’t put the tooth in the socket, place it in a clean container of cold milk and get the dental office immediately to improve your chances of saving the tooth. If it is chipped, contact your pediatric dentist immediately to prevent infection. Always watch for discoloration in your child’s tooth after any trauma, and always wear a mouth guard while playing sports! Remember to always encourage a healthy balanced diet throughout your child’s development. A balanced diet includes fruits, vegetables, grains, meats and beans, and milk. Many foods containing starch and sugar provide nutrients necessary for your child’s healthy development, but serve them wisely such as with a meal instead of as a snack. Raising a child is a rewarding adventure, and it definitely comes with many questions. At Carolina Kids Dentistry we want to help answer any question you have and help make certain that your child is heading for a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles. Some answers to many common questions can be found on our website at www.ckdentistry.com or please call us today to schedule your child’s dental visit with Dr. Malley and our highly trained, warmhearted staff at 704.790.0590. Bevin K.Malley DDS, PA Board Certified www.ckdentistry.com Pediatric Dentist Carolina Kids Dentistry specializes in treating for a Call children from infancy to young adulthood and individuals with free consultation! special needs in a state-of-the-art and and younger) (ages 18 months inviting environment. KIDS! Bring in an A or B on your report card for a FREE Spin Toothbrush. *new patients only Bevin K.Malley DDS, PA Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Call for a free consultation! (ages 18 months and younger) 5829 Phyliss Lane • Mint Hill, NC www.ckdentistry.com • [email protected] 704-790-0590 Parent Teacher Magazine • March/April 2014 • 5 K