Prairie Pediatric Dentistry, P.A.

Emily Cortes, DDS

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Caring for First Smiles

Toddler smiling while brushing her teethIn a year of milestones, first teeth play a big part in an infant’s growth and exploration of the world. Those precious first smiles will go through a lot of changes as your baby grows into an energetic toddler.

Teething

The first tooth typically erupts between ages 6 to 12 months and is complete by the age of 3. Gums can be sore and tender causing your child to be irritable. Rubbing sore gums gently with a clean finger, a cold, wet cloth, or a teething ring helps soothe the gums.

Your Infant’s New Teeth

Primary, or “baby” teeth play a crucial role in dental development. Baby teeth allow your child to chew their food and get the proper nutrition they need for healthy growth. Baby teeth also aid in proper speech development and act as a guide for the correct position of the permanent or adult teeth.

Tooth decay can occur when baby teeth first erupt. Begin cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as you see the first tooth growing in.  Choose a toothbrush with an appropriate size head and soft bristles. A smear of fluoride toothpaste can be introduced starting at the age of 2. Schedule your child’s first check up when the first tooth erupts or by the age of 1.

Sucking Habits

Sucking is a natural reflex for babies. Often babies will suck on pacifiers, fingers or thumbs. While this is soothing and makes a baby feel safe, it can also change the dental arch and alignment of the teeth. If the sucking habit continues past the age of three, you will want to consult your dentist for ways to discourage the habit.

AAPD Sippy Cup Tips

To help reduce the risk of cavities in children using sippy cups, you can use the following guidelines:

  • The sippy cup is a training tool to help children transition from a bottle to a cup. It shouldn’t be used for a long period of time – it’s not a bottle and it’s not a pacifier.
  • Unless being used at mealtime, the sippy cup should only be filled with water. Frequent drinking of any other liquid, even if diluted, from a bottle or no-spill training cup should be avoided.
  • Sippy cups should not be used at naptime or bedtime unless they only have water in them.

Overview

  • Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?
  • Early Dental Care
  • Cavity Prevention
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Teen Dentistry
  • Patient Experience

Prairie Pediatric Dentistry, P.A.

15230 West 87th Street Parkway
Lenexa, Kansas  66219

Phone: 913.871.5771
Fax: 913.586.0050
E-mail: info@ppdkansas.com

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Hours of Operation

Monday: 7:30-4:30
Tuesday: 7:30-4:30
Wednesday: 7:30-4:30
Thursday by appointment

All calls are received and returned by the next business day.

Professional Affiliations

Member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists

Board Certified - American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD)

Member of the American Dental Association

Pediatric Dental Care Resources

MyChildrensTeeth by the APPD

MouthHealthy by the ADA

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