Pediatric Dentistry Month – Dallas TX – CLJ Photography

Tips for Parents on Pediatric Dentistry – Dallas TX – Sea of Smiles and CLJ Photography

It’s Pediatric Dentistry month and we wanted to help spread some good information on what to expect with your baby’s dental hygiene.  I work with a lot of new parents and especially with your first baby, you often don’t know what to expect with lots of milestones.  And teething can be a rough one.

We reached out to local Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Dana Doan for 5 good tips on what to expect with getting little chompers.  (Isn’t this sweet girl ADORABLE!?!)

Dr. Dana Doan is a board-certified pediatric dentist who truly believes in the early prevention of dental problems and educating families about life-long healthy teeth.

She uses age-appropriate techniques to provide exceptional care for your children.  Getting to know the uniqueness of each child, building a trusting relationship, and understanding each family’s individual needs are how she delivers gentle dentistry and creates positive dental experiences.  In college, while teaching first grade Sunday school, Dr. Doan realized how rewarding it was to work with children, so she pursued a career that did just that!

Dr. Doan has been a life-long resident of the Dallas/Fort Worth. After graduating with second scholastic honors from her class at Baylor college of Dentistry, she embarked on her dream to become a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. She completed residency and received a Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. During residency she gained knowledge in all phases of pediatric dentistry, including comprehensive oral health care for the well child, the medically compromised child and the child with special health care needs. Extensive experience is provided in the areas of sedation, analgesia and general anesthesia to deliver quality dental care.

 After gaining experience in private practice for several years, Dr. Doan decided to move back to the DFW area to open a one-of-a-kind pediatric dental practice. She is excited to now have the opportunity to give back to her community.

When not at the office, Dr. Doan likes to spend time with her husband, their dog, and catching up with friends. Her other hobbies include traveling, cooking, playing board games, and working out!

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What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a regular dentist?

A pediatric dentist has more experience and training to manage and treat children – from infants through adolescents. A pediatric dentist completes an additional two to three years of specialty training. Training areas include managing children’s developing teeth, treating traumatic injuries, managing child behavior, and developing behavioral (as well as pharmaceutical) techniques to guide both children with special health care needs and anxious children through a visit successfully.

 

When should I expect my baby to start cutting teeth?

Most babies cut their first tooth when they are around six months of age. However, your baby could have his/her first tooth any time between three months and his/her first birthday. Usually, but not always, this first tooth appears at the front on the bottom gum.

Some signs of teething include drooling, swollen gums, irritability, trouble sleeping, rubbing their face, rejecting food, trying to bite, chew, and suck on everything.

 

At what age should I schedule an appointment for his/her first dental cleaning and check up?

Your baby’s first dental visit should take place within six months after the first tooth appears, but no later than your child’s first birthday.  We like to start early to let children get acclimated to the dental environment and to educate parents on ways to prevent decay.

 

What advice can you give first time mothers when caring for their toddler’s teeth?

• Keep your baby’s gums and teeth clean. Begin during the first few days by wiping the gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth after each feeding.
• Try not to put your baby to bed with a bottle. Even when it’s milk, it can still decay teeth.
• Only put plain water, formula, milk or breast milk in bottles. Avoid filling bottles with sweet liquids such as fruit juice or soft drinks.
• Use clean pacifiers — don’t dip them in sugar or honey.
• Avoid sharing saliva with the baby by using the same spoon. Decay can begin with cavity-causing bacteria being passed from the mother to the baby.
• Begin brushing your baby’s teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth comes in.
• grain-sized before he/she masters spitting
• pea-size after he/she masters spitting
• When your child has two teeth that touch, you should begin flossing his/her teeth nightly.

 

How should I prepare my child for their first appointment?

Many parents have dental anxieties that can be carried over to their children. However, dentistry today has advanced significantly and is friendlier, more comfortable, and less invasive than ever. With the right preventive care, your child can have a healthy, beautiful smile and avoid dental treatment. It is important to properly prepare your child for his/her dental visit so that it can be productive and stress-free.

• If possible, schedule early morning appointments, when young children are alert and fresh
• Take them to one of your dental appointments to help get them familiar with dental offices. Be sure to have a good time while you’re there to show them how fun a dental visit can be.
• Avoid scary language. Don’t use words such as “drill” and “hurt”. Instead, create a positive tone and let them know that everything will be fun.
• Use positive language. Tell them that the dental team is there to help! Let them know that we will show them everything and they can take as many breaks as they need.
• Tell them about their appointment. Help get them excited about all the fun things we have in store for them. We have a sea-themed office, tiki hut theatre room, sunken-ship treasure chest filled with toys, a large fish tank, and TVs on the ceiling to help them stay entertained and relaxed!

 

CLJ Photography highly recommends Dr. Doan with Sea of Smiles!  Here is the link to their website to schedule your little one’s appointment – HERE.  Let them know we sent you!

If you are interested in scheduling a milestone portrait session with your little one, fill out our contact form below.

CLJ Photography caters to expecting couples and families looking for a better experience from their photographer.