my new dental clinic in Gatineau
THERE AT EVERY AGE
OUR SERVICES FOR LITTLE ONES
MON DENTISTE LAJOIE is here to help your child develop a healthy lasting smile. We make dental visits all about their comfort to help them get used to going to the dentist and taking care of their oral health. Follow our advice; it helps establish good habits from a young age.
The first visit
We recommend your child's first dental visit around age 1. It is an essential step for their oral health.
During this appointment, Dr. Lajoie and her hygienist will examine your child's teeth and gums and demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques.
The main objective of this first visit is to build a trusting relationship with your child and familiarize them with the routine of a dental visit. This helps prevent anxiety later on. A positive attitude and appropriate preparation at home, such as reading them a story about going to the dentist, will help make this a reassuring experience.
The first cavity
Even a baby tooth is important: it holds the space for adult teeth. Avoiding the loss of this tooth helps prevent future problems.
To make the appointment positive and reassuring, we explain the procedure as follows:
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The tooth is numbed with an anesthetic gel and a gentle injection, transformed into a magic balloon chosen by the child (blue, pink, sparkly, starry, etc.).
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The cavity is removed with delicate tickling, and the hole is filled with a sparkly star.
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The tooth is still "asleep" after the treatment, but will wake up on its own, perfectly healthy. It is important not to feed the child during this time.
Things NOT to tell your child: "It won't hurt" or "just a little prick."
We do everything we can to make this first experience fun and positive, for a healthy and confident smile!
BabY's sucking habits: pacifier or thumb
Sucking is a natural reflex in babies, providing nourishment and comfort.
If you use a pacifier, we recommend choosing a model like this one to minimize the impact on your baby's oral development.
WHEN TO STOP USING A PACIFIER?
Ideally, sucking should stop around age 1. The earlier, the better for the jaw, tongue, and palate development. A pacifier is preferable to thumb-sucking because its use can be controlled. Avoid adding sugar or honey to the pacifier to prevent cavities.
How to help your child stop
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Gradually cut off the tip of the pacifier.
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Remove all pacifiers and encourage the child to throw them away.
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Praise them or offer a small reward.
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Offer a cup of water as an alternative.
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Distract them with activities or games when the sucking reflex occurs.
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Set goals and involve the family in a positive way.
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Several types of over-the-counter treatments can help: Nipit, Tguard, and the unpleasant-tasting cream Control It.
After age one, suckling can...
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Altering the shape of the palate and the position of the tongue
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Promoting mouth breathing
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Causing misaligned teeth and hindering speech
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Thumb sucking is more difficult to control and may require additional solutions, such as over-the-counter products or oral appliances.
To summarize: Stopping thumb sucking early helps your child develop their teeth, jaws, and face properly, while also promoting healthy speech and breathing.