ORAL CARE FOR TODDLERS

If in case you read my note, and have the same kind treatment used, please do not hesitate to comment on this and share your experience whether it's bad or good. "Pain from a tooth during the day or night for no apparent reason, Sensitivity from a broken tooth with exposed pulp, this was the case of my second boy- Ace. "

I really felt "What a terrible, terrible, mother I am. How could we have let so much time go by? When my twins had their first tooth, its is already in my mind to let them take to a dentist. Every parents crave for having a power smile teeth from their kids. But most people I asked regarding to this matter often say to me: " hayaan mo lang yan, bata pa yan, mapapalitan din lahat yan, gagastos kalang,." reason for me to forget the dentist visitation.

Until one day Ace and Amir had a separate accident reason for having fallen and broken front teeth, teeth- causing of eye sore-ugly teeth whenever they talk and smile.

One of my friend in school suggest me to bring my kids to a dentist highly specialized for children in one of the mall in Quezon City.I really love her concern and I thank him a lot. I went there for a consultation regarding my twins situation. So while I am waiting, I heard- child screaming to death, and saw one children holding by 3 people,The dentist seem calm with an assistant and I think the dentist was good to handle little kids because they finished the treatment they need to do to the kid. But I raise the case of might having traumatic experience for my two and a half year old kids on there first visitation. I asked the dentist is there another safe alternative- in case my kids will not cooperate in the check-up She said using a mild Sedation technique. Of course all dentist and doctors would say sedation treatments like other local anesthesia are safe though we all know that there are side effects. I ask some of my friends who had kids already and it seems they are all afraid and not sure regarding the safety of the procedure. So again I said- maybe i should ' forget' again to visit to another dentist and just pray that everything will be fine sooner.

But still. whenever I saw TV commercials w/ kids, I really wish that my kids had that kind of smile.

Until they turned 3. Ace doesn't drink his milk in a feeding bottle (w/c I think is good because he is growing up) lately I realize he always say "sakit" and pointing his two fingers in his mouth, even at night. So I realized maybe its his tooth was the problem it is really time for some medical attention.

Good timing because yesterday was their schedule for another shot of vaccine (growing up kids really have tons of vaccine, hayyy!) So, I cared to ask their pediatrician regarding their tooth condition and she was very kind referring me to dentist in the same hospital. I really decided to go since I think and I feel it is much safer rather than a clinic.

AMIR FIRST VISITATION TO DENTIST:

I was very proud when Amir had his first visit to the dentist, he was very cooperative, the dentist give him oral prophylaxis (cleaning), fluoride treatment and by next week he will having his stainless steel crown in his front teeth which also known as ' Endodontic treatment' it can be done in permanent or baby (primary) teeth. Even though baby teeth eventually will fall out, your dentist will suggest repairing them unless they are going to fall out soon. Primary teeth are needed for chewing and speaking, as well as to hold proper spacing for the permanent teeth that will eventually replace them. If your child loses a primary tooth too soon, neighboring teeth can invade the space, blocking the permanent tooth from coming in, or cause it to grow in tilted.

ACE FIRST VISITATION TO DENTIST:

Ace was a lot different from Amir's response, Just like what happen to his EENT doctor- he doesn't like to be checked-up. Even counting his teeth giving us ( me and the dentist) a hard time. He don't open his mouth, he bite the tools used by the dentist whenever the dentist put this into Ace mouth. Again. the term sedation was came out as an issue. She said first we need to get medical clearance for his pediatrician for using 3/4 tab or 15 mg of Midazolan (not sure w/ the correct spelling because of doctors handwriting) which will be put into his food or drinks, then afterward he will put in the O.R (operating room) and undergo different dental procedure.

According to Colgate World of Care Site- Conscious Sedation is a technique use for some children become anxious in the dental office and can't relax or sit still long enough for the dentist to treat them. For these children, the dentist may suggest forms of medication that allow the child to relax and/or become sleepy. This is called conscious sedation, since the child is still responsive to conversation or stimulation and all his or her protective reflexes are working. It may involve inhaling a gas, taking an oral medication, getting an injection or receiving medication intravenously. Conscious sedation also may be used when a child requires extensive dental treatment or has special needs like my Ace.

She also explained that having sedation technique should only be given and done in the operating room, not in her clinic, that's why a medical clearance in needed from his pediatrician since Ace has Asthma and food allergies. I really throw tons of question to our dentist, terms that I am not familiar specially medical terms...In the end I was also enlighten, informed and convince.

Again, if in case you read my note do not hesitate to leave comment on this and share your experience whether it's bad or good. Error on my words and phrases are not intended to do -so try to understand.