Making kids throughout Indianapolis, IN smile!
A child's first visit to Tellman Dentistry should be enjoyable and comfortable. Children are not born with a natural fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. Dr. Tellman and our team make a special effort to use pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe each treatment. We want your child to feel at ease from the moment he or she arrives at our office. As parents ourselves, we understand how important it is to create a comfortable, relaxing dental experience for our young patients.
Dr. Tellman and our dental team provide dentistry to children starting at age two. For ideal oral health, your child should visit our Indianapolis dental office every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups with Dr. Tellman and our hygiene team.
Recommended Treatments
We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they “seal” the deep grooves in your child's teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your child's regular checkups.
Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups
Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in the mouth that turn into an acid, which can break down teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents do not practice regular, good oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away.
Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits
As your child's teeth erupt, be sure to examine them every two weeks, looking for lines and discoloration that may be caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing four times a day for optimal oral hygiene: after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and at bedtime.
Brushing can be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a baby's tooth erupts, parents should brush the tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For children younger than two, do not use fluoride toothpaste unless advised to do so by Dr. Tellman or another healthcare professional. We suggest reviewing proper tooth brushing procedures with your child.
Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and Dr. Tellman or a member of our team will discuss with you the right time to start flossing. If you notice signs of decay, contact our office immediately.
