Kids Love Doctor Dionne

Dr. Dionne provides a warm, caring environment for children. As a father of 2 young children, he has a true understanding of a child’s anxieties and comfort levels with dental exams and procedures. His young patients love our salt water aquarium; Dr. Dionne even lets the kids feed the fish if it’s lunchtime. To encourage fluoride treatments, our patients can choose from Tyrannosaurus Grape, Bumble Bee Bubblegum, or Koala Berry flavors. You’d be amazed at how excited the children become over fluoride!

Children leave our office with a home care kit, stickers, a choice of surprises from the Treasure Chest, and a big, beautiful smile. Dr. Dionne lectures at local schools as well as schools near his home. He enjoys talking to the children and encouraging good dental health. His family practice is truly based on all members of the family, including the children.
Guidelines to Follow for Protecting Your Child’s Teeth:Schedule regular dental visits beginning by the child’s first birthday.

• Put only water in a bottle that’s used at sleeptime.
• Feed your child a well balanced diet.
• Start brushing as soon as the child’s first tooth appears.
• Brush and floss your child’s teeth every day until the child can be taught to do this on his or her own.
• Ask your dentist about sealants and fluoride.

Sealants

The purpose of a sealant is to seal out the potential for tooth decay. The clear sealant is applied to the chewing surfaces of the pre-molars and molars. The sealing material also enters any cracks or fissures and protects the tooth surface from plaque, bacteria, and acids.

Flouride

Fluoride is a mineral vital in preventing tooth decay. Even children with good diets do not get enough of this essential element that combines directly with tooth enamel to form a tough barrier to decay. It has been proven that children who drink water containing fluoride have up to 50% fewer cavities.

Children under the age of six should be instructed not to swallow fluoride toothpaste. The amount used for each brushing should be no larger than the size of a pea. Check with your dentist or pediatrician before giving any vitamin supplement that contains fluoride.

Losing Baby Teeth

Baby teeth are meant to be lost and replaced with permanent adult teeth. This process starts at about age six as the roots of baby teeth begin to dissolve. The tooth may be loose in the child’s mouth for some time before it falls out. It is not harmful to “coax” the tooth in this process but remind your child not to put excess pressure with the tongue .

The permanent tooth is waiting just under the baby tooth and may even break through before the baby tooth is lost. If the baby tooth does not break through soon after the adult tooth appears, notify your dentist. A baby tooth that stays in too long can interfere with the position and development of the adult tooth.

If a baby tooth is lost early through accident or decay, it is important to hold open the space for the adult tooth. Notify your dentist immediately if a baby tooth is lost prematurely or through an accident.

Most baby teeth come out normally and without problem. Notify your dentist with any complications or questions

Thumb Sucking

This is a natural reflex that helps children feel secure, particularly during stressful periods. Children may suck thumbs, fingers, pacifiers, or other objects, but usually stop this behavior between the ages of 2 and 4 years. Thumb sucking that continues during the eruption of permanent teeth can cause problems with tooth alignment.

Pacifiers can have the same effect on permanent teeth, but their use can be restricted or curtailed as the child grows older. If you have questions about thumb sucking or pacifiers, consult your dentist.