Chapel Hill Pediatric Dentistry

Avni C. Rampersaud, DDS

Your Child's First Visit
In order to prevent dental problems, we recommend that you visit our office when the first tooth appears or by your baby's first birthday. Baby teeth help children chew, speak clearly, hold the place for the permanent teeth, and are important for appearance.

During the first appointment Dr. Rampersaud will examine your child's teeth and check for decay and proper eruption. All the tissues of the oral cavity will be viewed and screened for diseases and your child's dental growth and jaw development will be noted. This early appointment is the "Happy Teeth Visit." You will receive valuable information in several areas by a highly trained member of our staff that can influence the health and well being of your child.

During the first visit for infants and toddlers you will learn what to expect and some helpful strategies for dealing with teething discomfort. You will also learn how to clean your baby's teeth effectively. We will teach you an easy way to use gauze when the first tooth appears, and the correct way to use an infant's safety toothbrush. We will also suggest methods that can help you brush your baby's teeth when they wiggle. Early childhood cavities are heartbreaking. We will discuss how cavities are formed and ways to prevent them. We will discuss feeding habits that can contribute to this devastating disease.

Education regarding the most recent trends and medical research in the field will also be available. Good nutrition influences not only the growth of the teeth, but also the growth of the brain and body. We will help you identify foods and habits that contribute to health and those that contribute to dental disease. We will inform you of the benefits of fluoride, what products to use, and when you should start using a fluoridated toothpaste.

We will also discuss accident and injury prevention. We know that toddlers are active and can injure themselves, especially when learning how to walk. We want you to know what to look for, and what to do if your child injures a tooth. Creating a safe environment for your child is essential and we have some simple guidelines that we know you will appreciate! Many parents want to know about thumb and pacifier habits and if they can cause long term damage. Some babies naturally have a strong sucking reflex. We can inform you of problems that can arise and offer some strategies on how to stop them. We are certain that you will enjoy your time with the doctor, have your questions and concerns addressed, and learn some valuable information!

A - Central Incisors

8-13 months

B - Lateral Incisors

8-13 months

C - Canines (cuspids)

16-23 months

D - First Molars

13-19 months

E - Second Molars

25-23 months