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When to Schedule Your Child’s First Dentist Visit

Posted by Southeast Family Dental Feb 09,2022

Any parent can tell you, teething is no fun! A fussy baby, fever, diaper rash, food resistance…the list goes on.

But once the tooth makes it through the gums, you get the reward of a sweet, baby smile! It’s important to take care of this smile from early on by establishing proper oral hygiene habits from the start.

But when exactly do children need to start making visits to the dentist? Let’s take a look at when your child should have their first dentist visit and what to expect.

Early Oral Hygiene

According to the American Dental Association, your child should make their first trip to the dentist as soon as the first tooth appears. It is a good idea to go ahead and schedule a visit before the first birthday, even if no teeth have broken through the gums.

Why so early? As soon as your baby gets a tooth they are liable to get a cavity! The foods and drinks your baby consumes, personal health, and genetics can all play a role in oral health.

A healthy mouth, gums, and teeth are vital to your baby’s ability to thrive, so it is never a bad idea to be proactive and get things checked out early to avoid any issues down the road.

First Dentist Visit

The first trip to the dentist can be scary for both you and your child. Not knowing what to expect can add to the anxiety. Assuming you’ve selected a dental office that specializes in families, like Southeast Family Dental, you can rest assured your child will have a great experience.

What to Expect From the Dentist

The first trip to the dentist will include a general overview of proper dental care, a checkup of your child’s mouth, and maybe even a conversation about healthy eating habits to reduce the chance of cavities and tooth decay.

Length of Appointment

The first visit to the dentist will vary in time, but it shouldn’t last too long. A good pediatric dentist will understand that the attention span for a kid isn’t necessarily going to be the longest and they will try their best to accommodate that.

A length of about 35 – 45 minutes is a good estimate of time to set aside for your child’s first appointment.

Will There be Pain?

Establishing a healthy relationship with the dentist’s office early in your child’s life is incredibly important. Chose a dental office that works well with children and ask ahead of time if any pain should be expected.

Chances are, the first appointment will just be a check-up of the teeth and this will not be an issue.

Healthy Dental Habits

Setting a good example of healthy oral hygiene at home is a key step in ensuring your child grows up with healthy teeth and gums.

Establishing a Routine at Home

Pick a specific time each morning and night to brush your teeth. Establishing a routine will help your children understand when it is expected of them to brush their teeth.

Young children will feel more comfortable in their daily activities, which will result in more confidence and understanding in their routines.

Modeling Healthy Oral Hygiene

You know how the old saying goes, “monkey see, monkey do!” And if you have kids you know this to be one-hundred percent true.

Let your kids watch you brush and floss your teeth to set a good example for them. Brushing your teeth together can also help make what could be a monotonous task fun!

Eating Tooth-Friendly Foods

Along with oral care like brushing and flossing, consuming healthy foods can be a great way to be proactive in dental care. Avoid sugary foods if possible, and if your child will be indulging in sweets, have them drink plenty of water to cleanse their teeth of excess sugar.

Keeping the tooth enamel free from sugars will help keep your kids’ teeth healthy. Flossing after enjoying these treats will also help rid the mouth of excess sugars.

Future Dental Visits

Once the first trip to the dentist is completed, it’s important to continue this trend and establish a schedule of regular dental visits.

It is recommended children see the dentist every six months, or bi-annually.

Why Southeast Family Dental

Southeast Family Dental in Indianapolis provides an ideal family atmosphere for patients of all ages. Children have the optimal experience to make coming back for the next appointment not only easy but exciting for your child!

Positive instruction, gentle check-ups, and after-visit rewards like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and prizes help ensure your visit will be easy and fun.

Other Services Provided

In addition to that first dental visit, you can trust Southeast Family Dental to take care of your child throughout the years as well!

Whether it’s applying dental sealants on permanent teeth, finding the right mouthguard for sporting events, or helping your child in an emergency, you can rest easy knowing they will be there for you and your family.

Schedule Your Visit

Call us today to schedule your child’s first dentist visit or simply fill out your information on our easy-to-use contact form.

Our knowledgeable team members are ready to answer any questions you may have and put any concerns you have to bed. You can also stop by our Indianapolis office to speak with someone face-to-face and view our space.

Our dentists are ready to meet you and promise to provide excellent care and create a healthy dentist relationship from the start!

5 High-tech Ways Your Kids Can Improve Their Brushing Habits

If you’re like most parents, you probably have a hard time getting your kids to brush their teeth. For whatever reason, just like taking baths, cleaning their room or eating their veggies, kids aren’t very enthusiastic when it comes to tooth brushing. Nevertheless, your youngsters need to establish a solid brushing regimen to help them fight tooth decay and develop life-long good oral hygiene habits. But how can you turn tooth brushing from a boring chore into an entertaining activity for your kids? Smart technology can help. Several product manufacturers have developed high-tech devices to make tooth brushing more fun for your kids. Here are five products that can help get your child excited about brushing their teeth: Grush, The Gaming Toothbrush. This Bluetooth motion-sensing toothbrush turns brushing into a fun, interactive game that enables parents to reward their children for consistency and using proper technique. Your kids can see the proper brush angle they should use when brushing each area of their mouth. Grush, The Gaming Toothbrush Kolibree, Intelligent Sonic Toothbrush. This connected toothbrush uses 3D motion sensors to track the brushing areas in your child’s mouth, so they can learn how to brush their teeth more effectively while making it fun. Kolibree, Intelligent Sonic Toothbrush Philips Sonicare for Kids. The app turns this Bluetooth-enabled toothbrush into a game controller. With the help of fuzzy creatures called Sparklys and a built-in timer, your child learns how to brush their teeth better and for two full minutes. After all, most kids have no idea how long two minutes really is. Philips Sonicare for Kids Playbrush. This smart device turns your child’s manual toothbrush into a game controller, so you don’t have to invest in a more expensive Sonicare electric toothbrush for them. And one Playbrush device can easily be shared among your children, saving you money. With real-time feedback, your kids learn to brush longer, more regularly and more accurately. Playbrush Foreo Issa Mini. This electric toothbrush for kids doesn’t require an app or mobile phone, and it comes with a built-in timer to ensure your child brushes their teeth for two full minutes. Foreo Issa Mini What’s great about some of these kid-friendly toothbrushes is, they’re easier for small hands to hold since some youngsters struggle as they develop greater dexterity. However, while these smart devices can make tooth brushing fun for your kids, they don’t brush your child’s teeth for them. Your youngster still needs to learn how to brush their teeth correctly—no matter what technology they use. If you need help with proper tooth brushing instruction, contact the staff at Southeast Family Dental. We’ll be happy to teach you and your kids the skills they need to correctly brush their teeth for better dental hygiene.

7 Signs You Are Dealing With a Dental Emergency

In any given year, there are around two million dental-related visits to the emergency department in the United States. It’s easy to let a problem build up over time and then realize it needs to be dealt with right away (though where possible, a dentist is always a better choice than the emergency room). However, you may not know when you’re dealing with a dental emergency and be unsure of whether it needs immediate attention. Since emergencies can cost more, people often try and wait for a more routine visit. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s likely an emergency and you need to get it taken care of right away. 1. Extreme Mouth Pain There’s no more obvious sign that you’re dealing with severe dental issues than extreme pain. Tooth pain can be absolutely debilitating and if it’s gotten to the point where it’s affecting your day-to-day life, then it’s most likely an emergency. Many people still hold off on going to the dentist, hoping the pain will subside on its own, but this is not often the case. If you’re dealing with that level of pain, there are dental problems going on that demand a professional’s attention and help. If the pain isn’t too bad but persists for days on end, it’s still important to see a professional. 2. Pain Elsewhere If you leave the pain in your mouth untreated (or it hasn’t been bad enough to notice), the pain can actually spread elsewhere. It’s not uncommon for people to get headaches due to tooth issues or feel that their jaw is sore. This is more common when there’s something wrong with the back teeth, like an impacted wisdom tooth. Wisdom teeth usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, so keep a particular eye out for them (although they can be earlier or later in some people). 3. Stiff Jaw If your jaw is stiff — even if you don’t feel pain — it could be a sign that you need dental care. Sometimes when there’s a problem with the back teeth it makes the jaw stiff and it can be hard to open your mouth to chew and eat. This often affects what you can swallow and means you may only be able to tolerate soft foods and liquids. This is another symptom that’s very common with wisdom teeth coming in, but it doesn’t often resolve itself. Your wisdom teeth are likely impacted if your jaw is stiff, meaning they need to be removed by a dentist. 4. Cracked or Broken Teeth If you notice that you have a cracked or broken tooth — whether visually or because you’re alerted to it through the pain — it’s time to get it looked at as soon as possible. Many people crack a tooth and don’t feel any discomfort, so they think it’s not an emergency — but a lot of bacteria can then get into the tooth, meaning it’ll rot faster. It also puts the tooth in a vulnerable position where it may be prone to more cracking and you could lose it altogether if you don’t get it seen as soon as possible. Missing teeth come with their own problems, so don’t let it get to that stage if you can avoid it. 5. You Have Bad Breath Many people assume bad breath is a sign of poor tooth care or the wrong food choice, but that’s not always the case. If you have chronic bad breath that you can’t seem to get rid of, it could be a sign of a dental emergency. The smell may be coming from decay. It’s always a good idea to visit your dentist if you struggle with halitosis, but if it’s in combination with any of the other signs, it’s a big sign of a dental emergency. 6. Your Gums Are Bleeding Gum disease is pretty common in the US but as long as you visit a dentist every six months, you should be able to keep it under control. However, if your gums are red, swollen, and bleeding every time you use your toothbrush, it’s a big sign your gum disease has progressed. Late-stage gum disease can cause a whole host of problems, not just in the mouth, but even elsewhere in the body. That’s why it’s considered a dental emergency if it’s getting to a serious stage because you need a good clean before it gets to that point. 7. You Have an Abscess or Ulcer Sometimes mouth ulcers are normal and will go away after a few days. However, if you have a sore in your mouth that’s persisting or is extremely painful, it might be time to go and see a dentist and check that there’s no other underlying cause. Abscesses can form after injury to the mouth or oral surgery, so it’s important to make sure that nothing is infected or worse than you realized. It’s better to get something checked out as soon as possible than leave it until it develops into a worse problem. Don’t Hesitate if You Have a Dental Emergency If you have a dental emergency on your hands, don’t hesitate to see a professional. Even if you’re unsure, they’ll be able to take a look at the problem and get it sorted out quickly — which is much better than the alternative of leaving the issue to become increasingly worse. If you’re looking for a reliable and trustworthy dentist in Indianapolis, contact us today, and let’s see what we can do for you.

“When I Brush My Teeth…” Dentists Answer Google’s Most Common Questions

When I brush my teeth It’s common knowledge that dentists recommend you brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. And each time, you should brush for at least 2 minutes for the best results. But some things might happen when you brush your teeth, which has you Googling “when I brush my teeth…” Do you have some unanswered questions? Our dentists are here to answer them! Read on to find out more about why certain things might occur when you brush your teeth. When I Brush My Teeth, I Spit Blood If you spit out blood when you brush your teeth, you might be pushing too hard with your toothbrush. Try easing up on the pressure to see if that helps. If it doesn’t, then you might have gingivitis, which inflammation of your gums. Healthy gums won’t feel tender and they won’t bleed either, so if either of these things happens, it can be a warning sign. When I Brush My Teeth, I Spit Out Black (or Brown) Spitting out black or brown can be scary when it happens. But often, it’s something benign! First, think about it: what have you recently eaten or drank? For example, if you’ve just eaten chocolate or drank wine in the last hour, that can cause the discoloration in your spit. But if you haven’t consumed anything recently, then take a look at your tongue. Do you notice anything odd? Then you might need a doctor or dentist to take a look at it. When I Brush My Teeth, I Throw Up All of us have something called the gag reflex. Basically, if anything touches the back of your throat, it causes you to throw up. This is something intended for survival so we don’t choke or swallow anything that’s harmful. You might throw up when you brush your teeth because you’re pushing your toothbrush too far into the back of your mouth, which triggers your gag reflex. Try using a smaller toothbrush, brushing slower, and taking breaks while brushing to prevent this from happening. When I Brush My Teeth, My Breath Still Stinks Many people don’t know this, but you should brush your tongue in addition to your teeth. So if you’re not already doing this, start brushing your tongue to see if it helps with your breath. Start using mouth rinse as well if you don’t already. If these things don’t help, then it could be something more severe. In this case, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. Your “When I Brush My Teeth” Questions Answered We hope that this article has provided you with some insight into some of your “when I brush my teeth” questions. Of course, the best thing you can do for your oral health is to see a dentist regularly. Not only can they answer any questions you may have, but they can also ensure that your teeth and gums are in the best shape possible. So take good care of your oral health. Schedule an appointment with us today. Our friendly dental team will make you feel right at home!

5 Most Common Cosmetic Dentistry Services

Are you looking to enhance your smile and boost your confidence? Well, you've come to the right place. Cosmetic dentistry offers a range of incredible treatments that can transform your teeth into a dazzling masterpiece. TEETH WHITENING Teeth whitening treatments use bleaching agents to remove stains and discoloration from the surface of your teeth. This can be done either in the office or with at-home kits provided by your dentist. In-office teeth whitening procedures are typically quicker and more effective than at-home options. Your dentist will apply a professional-grade bleaching agent directly to your teeth, using special tools to protect your gums. At-home teeth whitening kits usually involve wearing custom-made trays filled with a milder bleaching gel for several hours each day. While these kits may take longer to achieve noticeable results, they are often more affordable and convenient for many people. No matter which method you choose, regular dental hygiene practices like brushing and flossing remain essential for maintaining a bright smile after treatment. VENEERS Veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry service that can transform your smile in just a few visits to the dentist. These thin shells, typically made of porcelain or composite resin, are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth. One of the main benefits of veneers is their ability to correct various dental imperfections. Whether you have chipped, cracked, stained, or misaligned teeth, veneers can help conceal these issues and give you a beautifully restored smile. The process of getting veneers involves removing a small amount of enamel from the tooth surface to ensure a proper fit. The dentist will then take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental laboratory for fabrication. Once ready, the veneers will be bonded securely onto your teeth using strong adhesive material. BONDING Bonding is a popular cosmetic dentistry service that can help improve the appearance of your teeth. It is a process in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the surface of the tooth and then shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth. One of the main benefits of bonding is its versatility. It can be used to repair chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps between teeth, reshape misaligned or unevenly sized teeth, and even cover up stains or discoloration. Bonding is also a relatively quick and painless procedure compared to other dental treatments. The process starts with preparing the tooth by roughening its surface and applying a conditioning liquid. Then, the resin material is carefully applied and molded into shape before being hardened with an ultraviolet light. Once it's set, your dentist will further trim and polish it until it blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. DENTAL IMPLANTS Are you tired of hiding your smile because of missing teeth? Dental implants might just be the solution you've been looking for. This modern cosmetic dentistry procedure provides a permanent and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth. Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. Once the implant is securely in place, a crown or bridge can be attached to restore your smile's functionality and appearance. One of the major benefits of dental implants is their durability. Unlike dentures or bridges, which may need to be replaced over time, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. They also help prevent further bone loss in the jaw, maintaining overall oral health. The process of getting dental implants requires careful planning and multiple visits to the dentist. After an initial consultation and evaluation, the dentist will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. During surgery, the implant will be placed into your jawbone under local anesthesia. Following surgery, it takes several months for the implant to fully integrate with the surrounding bone tissue—a process called osseointegration—before final restoration can take place. Once healed, a custom-made crown or bridge will be attached to complete your new smile. INVISALIGN Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign uses a series of custom-made aligners to gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions. These aligners are virtually invisible and removable, making them an incredibly popular choice among adults and teenagers alike. One of the greatest advantages of Invisalign is its convenience. You can easily remove the aligners when eating or brushing your teeth, eliminating any dietary restrictions or difficulties with oral hygiene that come with metal braces. Another benefit is the comfort factor. Unlike traditional braces, which may cause discomfort or irritation in the mouth, Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic material designed to fit snugly over your teeth without causing any pain or discomfort. Furthermore, because Invisalign is practically invisible when worn, it allows you to confidently go about your daily activities without worrying about unsightly metal brackets and wires drawing attention to your smile. If you have questions about the best ways to care for your smile at home, call our friendly staff at (317) 359-8000 today. We would be happy to schedule you for an appointment at our family dental practice in Indianapolis, IN. We look forward to working with you soon!

Will the Brush DJ App Make You a Better Brusher?

For children, there are so many rules of tooth brushing that need to be followed, specifically, the fact that you need to brush for a specific amount of time. Two minutes, to be precise. But what is the answer to make sure that everybody brushes for this vital amount of time? The answer might very well be the Brush DJ app! What Is Brush DJ? The app acts as a toothbrush timer and plays 2 minutes of music from your device, streaming service, or cloud. The goal is to make sure that everyone is brushing their teeth for the optimum amount of time while also making it a less boring activity. As there are children or teenagers, or people even older, that don’t have good oral hygiene habits, being able to stay in one place to brush their teeth for 2 minutes can be quite a task. It aims to make you have better oral hygiene, while also making the experience fun by playing your favorite music. Brush DJ app What Are the Features? As with any good app, Brush DJ allows you to make a few significant changes to your life without needing to remember. It allows you to set reminders to brush at least twice a day, to floss every day, change your toothbrush or brush heads every few months, to use mouthwash, but also, it can remind you to book an appointment with a dentist or hygienist. The features also give you the opportunity to choose the color of the screen and the timer so it matches the bathroom or the toothbrush which makes it more interesting, especially for children. In addition to this, there are little quaint animated videos. These highlight the best way to floss, use a toothbrush, and other essential hygiene practices. And, as part of the app, to make it a bit more engaging, there is a weekly Brush DJ top 5 chart, which you can vote for your favorite song and see if it makes the list. Clearly, by the diverse range of music in the charts, it isn’t just for children, but anybody can use this app to improve their brushing habits and make brushing a more enjoyable activity. https://youtu.be/qoILstdnLHs [https://youtu.be/qoILstdnLHs] Does It Work? The great thing about this app is that it provides a useful reminder for anyone that gets bored by brushing their teeth. What’s great for children who find standing at the basin for 2 minutes very boring, the app gives them the opportunity to put their favorite songs on, and the app will remind them when it’s time to stop. The fact is, by brushing to your favorite song makes it less of a chore, and more fun. The positive reviews found on the app store highlights just how good it is, not just for children, but those that have oral hygiene habits that are below par. It Comes Highly Recommended! While many parents and children have given many positive reviews of the app, it’s actually an award winner, winning the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) healthcare award in February 2019. It’s also had honorable mentions from diverse sources as the British Dental Journal (BDJ), The Telegraph newspaper, and even on Oprah.com. If there are any parents out there that are struggling to get their children to brush their teeth, this app is free, easy to use, and doesn’t have any in-app purchases. The great thing about this app is that, unlike many other apps, it doesn’t stop you enjoying what it can do by asking you to update it by making purchase after purchase! Will the Brush DJ App Make You a Better Brusher? If you don’t have the habits in place and find standing around brushing your teeth for 2 minutes very frustrating or boring, the Brush DJ app needs to have a prominent place on your smartphone. By giving 2 minutes of your time morning and night to a healthy oral hygiene habit, you will find that the Brush DJ app can become an indispensable part of your routine. For those that have children who struggle with brushing their teeth, the Brush DJ app makes it a far more pleasurable activity. And, you never know, they may not want to stop brushing their teeth! But the whole idea is to ensure that you are brushing for 2 minutes. And as soon as those 2 minutes are up tonight, you don’t need to brush your teeth again! Well, at least until tomorrow.