Kid's Dentistry Schererville, IN
 Crossroads Family Dental is committed to providing the best possible care for all members of the family. Dr. Kathy Zuccarelli, Dr. Nicholas Berns and the rest of our team love treating our younger patients. We are specially trained to make the experience easy, educational, and rewarding!
Dental problems can begin as early as infancy. Early checkups and professional cleanings are an important part of your child’s oral health. As your child continues to grow, we can monitor the development of their teeth, and keep tooth decay, gum disease, and other common conditions at bay. Preventive dentistry will provide a strong foundation that follows them into adulthood, and leads to a lifetime of healthy teeth!
The Importance of Children’s Dentistry
Primary (baby) teeth are just as important as permanent teeth. Primary teeth that experience decay and other dental diseases can lead to significant complications for the future of your child’s oral health. Tooth decay can occur as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts, and could mean a higher risk of decay in the permanent teeth. If a primary tooth is lost prematurely, eruption complications could also arise. The remaining primary teeth will shift to compensate for the open space and leave little or no room for the permanent tooth to erupt. This can cause impacted or misaligned teeth.
Proper cleaning practices are crucial during infancy. Be sure to clean their gums with a wet, sterile cloth or gauze pad. When the teeth begin to erupt, use an appropriately sized toothbrush. Never put an infant to bed with a bottle that contains anything other than water. This can lead to a serious condition known as baby bottle tooth decay.
Regular checkups and professional cleanings will help us remove bacteria and plaque build-up form the surface of their teeth. Preventing the growth of bacteria and plaque can save your child from tooth decay and gum disease.
Your Child’s First Visit
We recommend your child be seen by Dr. Kathy Zuccarelli or Dr. Nicholas Berns within the first six months of their first tooth eruption. The first visit is typically a quick, observational, and educational appointment. Dr. Kathy Zuccarelli or Dr. Nicholas Berns will perform an oral exam to check for initial signs of decay, look for potential problems with the gums or jaw, and examine your child’s bite. We will also review the oral health care essentials and answer any questions you may have. In general, we tend to discuss:
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Proper oral hygiene practices.
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Proper nutrition, and oral habits such as thumb sucking, lip sucking, etc.
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Fluoride treatment.
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Teething.
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Developmental stages.
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The length of time between appointments. |
Positive Office Visits
We know that some children can have fears or anxiety associated with a dental appointment. For toddlers and young children, we have several tips to ensure a positive office visit.
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If you are nervous about the trip, the less you say, the better. Children can pick up on your anxieties. Try to stay positive!
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Try to schedule the appointment during the morning when children tend to be rested, fed, and cooperative.
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Never use an office visit as a treat or punishment.
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Never bribe your child to go to the dentist.
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Keep the experience positive by turning it into a game or adventure. Singing a song can also keep spirits high! |
Schedule Your Child’s Visit Today!
Learn more about your child’s oral health! Call (219) 440-2950, and schedule your child’s visit today! |
