Toddler Dental Check-up

My mother was very strict to us when it comes to brushing our teeth. I have a sweet tooth so she really, really makes sure I brush my teeth often. Before sleeping time, its a no-fail question if I brushed! Well, it paid off because I never had a cavity ever in my childhood! It's like getting straight A's whenever there's a yearly dental check-up in school and the dentist will look at my record and say, "Hmm let's see if you still have perfect teeth...yes, it's still perfect." Love it!!!!

When Simone turned 1, I brought her to a pedia dentist last January. Well, a pediatric dentist has 2-3 years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. A few moms may frown to this thought, but it's a step to prevent tooth problems. Yup, a young child CAN already have tooth decay! Prevention is better than cure!!

We went to Tooth Camp Alabang http://www.toothcamp.ph/, it was just so cool there! Simone kept busy while waiting for her turn. It was like an indoor playground with a dentist. haha

Huuuge playhouse! You can play upstairs too. 

Okay, enough of the playground.

The patient before us was around 8 years old, a boy. He was screaming and crying while the dentist was attending to him. I felt sorry for him but good that bringing Simone this young will help prevent these to happen.

The check-up was a package of consultation, cleaning, and fluoride application worth Php1,500.00 or S$35 (In Singapore it may cost 3 times more but it's worth it than treating a cavity:D). First, the dentist gave me a lecture on baby milk teeth and what causes cavities. She showed me pictures of very early decaying teeth up to the worst stage, to scare me (LOL) and signs of cavities. One big piece of advice: Don't give milk anymore after she had brushed her teeth. That means no milk during sleeping time, midnight. You can give water though. You need to train your child or you will have baby bottle tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when sugar in liquids such as milk is in contact with the teeth for a prolonged time. child's teeth will literally dissolve.

Picture source from http://www.tbdhu.com/HBHF/Dental/ToothDecay.htm

 She showed me the proper way to brush Simone's teeth (pictured below), did the cleaning and put fluoride and told me not to give her anything for 30 minutes. She recommended me to use a fluoride toothpaste(since I'm using a non-fluoride), specifically Aquafresh Milk Teeth Toothpaste because it contains 1000ppm fluoride. It will not be effective enough if kiddie toothpastes will only have little amount or 600ppm. I inquired about fluoride and she said that the update now is really to use fluoride. Anyway, she said, you will only smear a tiny amount on the upper half of the bristles. It won't hurt, just brush and wipe with a cloth right away because now Simone doesn't know how to spit yet. Of course you cannot swallow fluoride toothpaste, it's toxic! Hmm, so how can I clean the tongue and the rest of the mouth? You can just clean it with your non-fluoride toothpaste. Yup, so I use Earth's Best non-fluoride toothpaste first to clean her whole mouth and tongue, then use Fluoride toothpaste for the final touch. LOL. At first I find it a hassle, but got used to it. I let Simone "brush" her teeth first (she loves to brush lol), and when she's done, it's mommy's turn.

Hee. You won't believe she was crying and screaming in this photo.

"What are you doing to me??????"-Simmie

Done-zo!!!! With our pretty helper Jessebel!

Reward! She got a free toothbrush too!

Daily routine: Earth's Best, Aquafresh, Hello Kitty & Mickey!

Sparkly-sparkly 6 teeth!! Waiting for 14 more hihi

Her next check-up will be in July, but I know we're not going to be in Manila, so I searched for pedia dentists around singapore (there's a lot!!) and found Kids Dental World in Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital the best. Can't wait to bring Simone there!!! http://www.kidsdentalworld.com.sg/

Happy Brushing! LOL

Shiela