Services at Mirage Dental

Children's Dental Care

Early care of children's teeth is important in setting the stage for a life of healthy teeth and gums. Visits to the dentist at an early age can acclimate children to the dental office, and fluoride treatments. Cleanings and sealants are effective in preventing dental disease. We know, with proper care, teeth can last a lifetime.

They're Only Baby Teeth

Baby teeth are better called "primary teeth." These teeth are important for a number of reasons. A primary tooth can decay and abscess just like a permanent tooth. Proper care can eliminate the pain associated with these processes. Primary teeth also hold the space for and guide the eruption of the permanent teeth. Premature loss can lead to crowded, crooked, or impacted permanent teeth. Primary teeth provide the chewing surface for children until age 12 or 14, and when a permanent tooth is congenitally missing. Primary teeth can often be retained for a lifetime with proper care.

When should care begin?

Proper home care on primary teeth should begin with the eruption of a baby's first tooth. Teeth can be cleaned at this age with a small, soft toothbrush or a wet cloth. Use of toothpaste should be kept to a minimum. Visits to the dental office, giving them a "ride in the chair," reviewing home care with child and parent, and other treatment as needed. We try to keep these appointments fun for the child to eliminate fear or anxiery. It's important for the parents to not place fear in the child's mind. Parents should not mention things like "hurt," pain," etc. Today, most pediatric visits to the dentist, even for fillings, and, yes, even root canals, can be performed painlessly and with minimal trauma to the child.