Many parents document their child’s every new achievement as they grow: the first time they hold their head up, the first time rolling over on their own, the first time for food other than milk, etc. We praise them for continuing these habits and encourage them to learn and achieve more and more! Here at Jungle Roots, we promote good dental health for your child from when they have their first tooth erupt from their gums through their adult life. We also provide support and reassurance to you, as their parent, that we offer the best comprehensive dental experience in an environment that makes your child want to visit. Our comforting, calm, and safe dental professionals and office personnel will make your family’s first encounter with us another milestone you’ll almost want to record in the baby book!
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends bringing your baby to the dentist after that first tooth appears, but make sure to visit before their first birthday. Believe it or not, your baby is born with all 20 primary teeth in their jaw bones! They will begin “cutting” teeth around their 6th month and should have all of their primary teeth before age three.
Why visit so early? As soon as your baby’s teeth come in, they are subject to bacteria in the mouth that can cause cavities. Dental caries (cavities) are the most common chronic disease of childhood, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).
It is also helpful to begin visiting us early to help your child begin to feel safe and comfortable with us. Then, when it is time to begin doing more in-depth cleanings and exams, or in the event that there is a dental emergency or restorative work needs to be done, your child will already have a level of familiarity and safety with us to help make the process go more smoothly and less stressful for you and your child.
We will want to ensure their jaw and teeth develop the way they should and will examine them closely. Doing this helps identify any issues your child may encounter in the future. Regular visits allow us to spot and monitor potential issues more easily. We will also give you tips on how to care for the teeth daily. Our Jungle Roots team emphasizes prevention, so your child can have excellent dental health from the start (1, 2).
Remember, your child’s primary teeth not only help them eat but also to speak and smile. They are “space-holders” for their permanent teeth. If your child loses a tooth before it is time, the adult tooth may fill that space, making it hard for the primary teeth to fall out and find room to let other adult teeth erupt. This can cause crowding or crooked teeth that will need to be treated later. Pain, eating difficulty, more serious dental problems, and even loss of school time and parental work time are things every family wants to avoid. Early prevention can address these issues that may require increased costs for future dental and/or orthodontic services in later years. We want to do everything we can to keep that mouth healthy for life (1)!
No matter when your child has his or her first appointment with Jungle Roots, we are privileged to be their dentist. Maybe you just moved to the area or just recently started receiving dental insurance from your employer. Perhaps you had a negative encounter with a dentist in the past, have avoided going back to see one yourself, and have never wanted to put your child through the same thing. We want the dental experience to be one where you and your child feel safe and comfortable. Our trained staff makes seeing the dentist something your child may even look forward to. Whatever your reason for delaying taking your child, Jungle Roots Dentistry is excited to have the opportunity to become their new dental home!
It may be helpful to fill out the online forms that need to be completed before the appointment. That way, you can focus on your child’s experience while in our office and be present for your child on the day of the visit. Make sure your child has been added to your dental insurance (if applicable) to know how much they cover. Most insurances pay for preventative visits every six months. Here are some other tips recommended to make your time in our office go smoothly (2):
Parents, you will be able to ask questions before, during, and after the visit and be educated about everything your child is undergoing. Our dentists are board-certified specialists and know how to alleviate anxiety in their patients by taking a gentle, soothing, and calm approach. When setting up your appointment, feel free to ask questions related to our practice so that you can understand our processes. Our website also has a wealth of information available, and you can read more about our Jungle Roots team! You can also check out this video for a brief overview of our facilities and what you’ll see and experience while in our office.
Let’s say your child has not yet visited any dental office and needs emergency treatment. This initial examination could be for an injury or a gum abscess. Maybe their tooth was knocked out in a sporting event, or they’ve had an unexplainable toothache for a few days. Whatever the cause, be assured that our Jungle Roots staff will also care for your child in these instances as we would if they were our patient since infancy. We can promptly answer your questions and guide you through the necessary steps to ensure your child gets the care required. We will educate you and ensure your child is secure, knowing that we will do everything in our power to help alleviate their fear and treat their issue.
Be aware that Jungle Roots is fortunate to have Dr. Jason Brady, a nationally and internationally recognized sedation specialist. If your child has an injury in which this service is needed, we will be sure you understand the process before treating your child. You can be comfortable knowing that Dr. Brady’s intimate knowledge of this technique and his terrific bedside manner is top-notch. Your child will benefit from highly-effective and safe, conscious or unconscious sedation if needed.
When you step into our office, you are immersed in our jungle theme! This innovative décor makes your child’s experience at our office one to which they will want to return! It is fun, exciting, and entertaining, and the staff emphasizes this throughout their visit with friendly smiles, gentle care, and laughter.
Jungle Roots Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics is a one-stop shop with the convenience of dental care and orthodontic treatment under one roof. The perks of making Jungle Roots your dental home:
The Jungle Roots team of dental professionals and our exceptional office staff welcome you to check us out! Our website has extensive information related to all of our services, our contact information, and articles that may help you better understand a particular topic. Tips for teething, dental hygiene, and wearing braces are some of the subject matter discussed. You can also feel free to contact us directly to learn more.
We know you will appreciate your experiences with us at Jungle Roots Dentistry! We meet all of your comprehensive dental and orthodontic needs in one location. Children are our specialty, and we are privileged to be a place they can call their “Dental Home!”
At Jungle Roots Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we strive to provide the highest comprehensive pediatric and orthodontic dental care in a unique, fun-filled environment staffed by a team of caring, energetic professionals. We believe the establishment of a “dental home” at an early age is the key to a lifetime of positive visits to the dentist.
