WHEN SHOULD YOUR CHILD FIRST VISIT THE DENTIST?

WHEN SHOULD YOUR CHILD FIRST VISIT THE DENTIST?

For many years it has been our philosophy that a child’s first dental visit should be around age 3.  Based on recommendations of the American Dental Association and mounting research, our recommendation is age 1 or within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth.

Newly erupted teeth are hypomineralized (not fully hardened) and vulnerable to poor oral hygiene and nutrition.  In-office fluoride treatments are both safe and essential.  The fluoride, which is easily applied to your child’s teeth with minimal patient cooperation using a fluoride varnish, strengthens the tooth enamel making it more decay resistant.  It’s important to identify if your child is at an increased risk for dental disease, and if so, work with you the parent or caregiver to decrease this risk.  A key component in caries prevention is beginning fluoride treatments at an early age. 

Establishing good dental habits at an early age is important.  Dental caries is the single most common chronic disease of childhood, and it is also almost 100% preventable.  We will discuss oral and dental development, homecare, fluoride, oral habits, and nutrition with you the parent or caregiver.  This part of the appointment is just as important as and will most likely take longer than the actual examination and treatment.

Reference: Fall 2012 Journal of the Massachusetts Dental Society

Toothbrushes Delivered to Guatemalan Students

Lund Dental is proud to have donated over 200 dental supplies to our patient, Betsy R.,  to bring on her mission trip to Guatemala.  She was so excited to share her experience with us:

"Hello All!

I have returned from an amazing week in Guatemala with my church group, New England Bible Church in Andover, Ma.  Thank you again for your generous donation of toothbrushes and toothpaste for the 225 children who attend the Fountain of Hope School in Matochos, Guatemala. School was just coming back in action when we were visiting, so there were a small number of students in attendance. We were able to interact with the older students, and I had a group photo taken of those students showing off their new gift from Lund Dental Associates!"

Check out the picture of the students with their Lund Dental toothbrushes!

Make Teeth A Priority In 2015!

We hope everyone stayed safe during Winter Storm Juno! Once the snow is shoveled and starts to melt, make a trip to our office for your regular visit. We serve Stoneham, Reading, Wakefield, North Reading, Melrose and Lynnfield, Massachusetts.

Take charge and make your smile a priority this year. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. A healthy smile helps to:

• Reduce the look of aging
• Generate confidence
• Creates aesthetic facial symmetry

Be sure you are maintaining your beautiful smile and are taking a preventative approach versus a reactive approach. Don’t wait until a problem arises to get it checked out – prevent it from happening in the first place!

New Year's Resolutions for 2015

1. Brush twice a day
2. Floss once a day
3. Replace your toothbrush
4. Keep your new toothbrush at least 6 feet away from your toilet
5. Visit our office every 6 months for a regular visit

If you or your child is a new patient, please take a look at what you can expect at your first visit with us. If you are visiting our website and/or blog looking for a pediatric dentist, we also offer pediatric dentistry! Conveniently schedule to get you and your child examined at the same time.

Contact Lund Dental Associates

If you have any questions, please give us a call at (781) 438-2700 during our business hours and we would be more than happy to assist you. Get a jump on your resolution list! Make your appointment today!