How to Make Your Child's First Dental Visit a Positive Experience

Danny • January 20, 2026

Walking through the doors of a dental office for the very first time can feel overwhelming for a young child. The unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells combined with natural apprehension about the unknown can transform what should be a routine health visit into a source of anxiety. As parents, we want our children to develop positive associations with dental care from the earliest age, setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy oral hygiene habits and comfortable dental visits. At Tilton Family Dental , we understand these concerns and have dedicated ourselves to making every child's first dental experience not just tolerable, but genuinely enjoyable.

The relationship your child develops with dental care during these formative early visits will influence their attitude toward oral health for decades to come. Children who have positive first experiences are more likely to maintain regular dental checkups throughout their lives, practice good home care, and approach necessary treatments without fear or resistance. Conversely, a traumatic or frightening first visit can create dental anxiety that persists into adulthood, leading to avoided appointments and deteriorating oral health. This guide will help you prepare your child for their first dental visit and ensure the experience builds confidence rather than fear.

Choosing the Right Time for Your Child's First Dental Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of getting their first tooth, whichever comes first. Many parents are surprised by this early recommendation, assuming that baby teeth don't require professional attention. However, establishing a dental home early provides numerous benefits beyond just checking for cavities.

Early dental visits allow our Tilton dental team to monitor your child's oral development, identify potential issues before they become serious problems, and provide you with guidance on proper cleaning techniques, fluoride use, teething, and nutrition. These initial visits are primarily educational and help your child become familiar with the dental environment during a stage when they're naturally curious rather than fearful. The earlier you start, the more normal and routine dental visits will seem to your child.

If your child is older than one and hasn't yet visited the dentist, don't worry—it's never too late to start. The key is approaching that first visit with the right preparation and mindset. Whether your child is a toddler, preschooler, or early elementary student, the strategies we'll discuss can help make their introduction to dental care a positive experience that sets them up for success.

Timing the appointment strategically can also make a significant difference in how smoothly things go. Schedule your child's first visit during a time of day when they're typically well-rested and in good spirits. For many young children, morning appointments work best, before they become tired or hungry. Avoid scheduling the appointment right before naptime or during typical meal times when your child might be cranky or less cooperative. Have you noticed specific times when your child is most calm and receptive to new experiences?

Preparing Your Child at Home Before the Visit

The days and weeks leading up to your child's first dental appointment provide valuable opportunities to build positive expectations and reduce anxiety. How you talk about the upcoming visit will significantly influence your child's attitude, so choose your words carefully and maintain an upbeat, matter-of-fact tone when discussing the dentist.

Start conversations about the dentist visit several days in advance, but not so far ahead that your child has excessive time to worry. For younger children, a few days' notice is sufficient; older children can handle a week or more of preparation. Explain that the dentist is a friendly doctor who helps keep teeth healthy and strong. Use simple, positive language: "The dentist will count your teeth and make sure they're growing nicely" works much better than medical jargon or detailed descriptions of procedures.

Read age-appropriate books about visiting the dentist together. Many excellent children's books feature lovable characters having positive dental experiences. These stories normalize the experience and help children understand what to expect in a non-threatening way. Some popular titles include "Going to the Dentist" by Anne Civardi, "The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist" by Stan and Jan Berenstain, and "Dora the Explorer: Show Me Your Smile!" These books make dental visits seem like a normal, even fun, part of growing up.

Role-playing dental visits at home can also be incredibly effective. Take turns being the dentist and the patient with your child. Use a toothbrush to "count" each other's teeth, just as the dentist will do. Let your child examine your teeth with a small flashlight. This playful practice helps demystify the experience and gives your child a sense of control and understanding. Keep the role-play light and fun—this isn't the time to introduce scary tools or procedures.

Equally important is what not to say. Avoid using the dental visit as a threat or punishment: "If you don't brush your teeth, the dentist will have to fix them" creates negative associations. Don't use words like "pain," "hurt," "shot," "needle," or "drill" even if you're trying to reassure your child these things won't happen—simply mentioning them plants worry in your child's mind. Also resist the urge to share your own negative dental experiences or anxieties. Children are incredibly perceptive and will pick up on your fears and hesitations.

What to Expect During Your Child's First Dental Visit

Understanding what will actually happen during your child's first dental appointment helps both you and your child feel more prepared and confident. At our Tilton family dental practice , we've designed our pediatric protocols specifically to make children feel comfortable and safe throughout their visit.

When you arrive, you'll be greeted by our friendly front desk staff who will help you complete any necessary paperwork. We keep these forms simple and quick so you can focus on helping your child feel at ease in the new environment. Many practices, including ours, have waiting areas with toys, books, and activities specifically chosen to help children relax and feel welcome. Allow your child a few minutes to explore this space and become comfortable before the appointment begins.

The dental hygienist or dentist will invite you and your child back to the treatment area. For very young children (under three), we often perform what's called a "knee-to-knee" exam where you sit facing the dentist, your knees touching, and your child lies back with their head in the dentist's lap and their body in yours. This position allows the dentist excellent visibility while keeping your child close to you for comfort and security. Older children typically sit in the dental chair, and you can stand nearby where they can see you.

The examination itself is gentle and non-invasive for first visits. Our Tilton dentist will count your child's teeth, check for any signs of decay or developmental issues, examine the gums and soft tissues of the mouth, and assess your child's bite and jaw relationship. We explain each step in child-friendly language: "I'm going to count your teeth with my special mirror" or "Let's see how strong your teeth are growing." The entire examination usually takes just a few minutes for young children.

Depending on your child's age, cooperation level, and oral health, we may also perform a gentle cleaning. For very young children, this might simply involve wiping the teeth with a soft cloth or rubber tip. Older, more cooperative children might receive a full cleaning with our special polishing tools. We always proceed at your child's pace, never forcing anything that causes distress.

Supporting Your Child During the Appointment

Your presence and demeanor during the appointment have enormous influence on how your child experiences the visit. Children constantly look to their parents for cues about whether a situation is safe or dangerous, pleasant or unpleasant. Your calm confidence tells your child that everything is okay and this is a normal, safe experience.

Remain positive and encouraging throughout the visit. Smile, make eye contact with your child, and offer verbal encouragement: "You're doing such a great job!" or "The dentist is so proud of how still you're sitting!" Avoid showing anxiety or concern even if you're feeling it internally. Children are remarkably attuned to their parents' emotions and will become anxious if they sense your worry.

Let the dental professionals take the lead in communicating with your child. They're trained in child psychology and know how to explain procedures and guide behavior in age-appropriate ways. Well-meaning parents sometimes inadvertently undermine the dentist by offering excessive reassurance ("It won't hurt, I promise!") which can actually plant the idea that something might hurt. Trust that our team knows how to communicate effectively with children and will tell you if they need your help with anything specific.

If your child becomes upset or resistant, stay calm and follow the dentist's guidance. Most pediatric dentists are skilled at using distraction, humor, and patience to help children relax. Sometimes taking a short break, allowing the child to hold a favorite toy, or simply acknowledging their feelings ("I know this feels strange, but you're being so brave!") is all that's needed to get back on track. In rare cases where a child is extremely distressed, we may recommend rescheduling and trying again another day—there's no benefit to forcing a traumatic experience.

Making the Experience Positive and Rewarding

Positive reinforcement before, during, and after the dental visit helps create lasting positive associations with dental care. At Tilton Family Dental, we believe every child should leave our office feeling proud of themselves and looking forward to their next visit.

During the appointment, we use lots of praise and encouragement. We might let your child pick out a prize from our treasure chest, choose a flavor of fluoride treatment (if applicable), or select a new toothbrush in their favorite color. These small rewards give children something concrete to look forward to and help them associate the dental office with positive outcomes.

After the visit, continue the positive reinforcement at home. Praise your child for their bravery and cooperation: "I'm so proud of how you sat in the dental chair and let the dentist count your teeth!" Share the positive experience with other family members: "Tell Grandma about your dental visit today—you did such a great job!" This social recognition reinforces that dental visits are normal, positive experiences worth celebrating.

Consider establishing a special post-dentist tradition that gives your child something to look forward to after appointments. This might be stopping at a favorite park, having a special snack (sugar-free, of course!), or spending quality time doing a favorite activity together. These traditions create positive anticipation around dental visits and give children control over one aspect of the experience.

Keep the conversation about dental visits positive in the days and weeks that follow. When brushing teeth at home, remind your child: "The dentist said you're doing such a good job keeping your teeth clean!" or "Let's count your teeth just like the dentist did." These casual references normalize dental care and keep it present in your child's mind in a positive way.

Establishing Ongoing Positive Dental Experiences

Your child's first dental visit is just the beginning of what should be a lifelong relationship with good oral health care. Regular dental visits—typically every six months—help maintain your child's oral health, allow us to catch and address problems early, and continue building that crucial comfort level with dental care.

Consistency is key to maintaining positive associations. Try to schedule appointments with the same dentist and hygienist whenever possible so your child develops familiar, trusting relationships with their dental care team. Keep appointments at similar times of day when your child is typically at their best. Maintain the same preparation routines and post-visit traditions to create predictability and comfort.

As your child grows, their dental visits will naturally evolve to include more comprehensive exams, professional cleanings, X-rays, and potentially preventive treatments like sealants or fluoride applications. Because you've built such a strong foundation of trust and positive experiences, your child will be ready to handle these more involved procedures with confidence and cooperation.

Your Partners in Pediatric Dental Care

At Tilton Family Dental, we're committed to providing exceptional, compassionate dental care for patients of all ages, with special attention to making children's experiences positive from their very first visit. Our team understands child development, uses age-appropriate communication, and creates a welcoming, non-threatening environment where children feel safe and cared for.

We know that establishing good oral health habits early, combined with regular professional care, gives children the best chance for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. We're honored to be your partners in this important aspect of your child's health and wellbeing, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

Ready to schedule your child's first dental visit? Contact Tilton Family Dental today to book an appointment at a convenient time. Our friendly team is here to answer any questions you have about your child's first visit and help make it a positive, comfortable experience. Call us at (603) 286-8618 or visit our office at 468 West Main St, Tilton, NH. Let's work together to give your child a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime!

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5 Signs You Need a Dental Check-Up This Winter

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Dental Tips for Your Vacation

By Gerald M • June 22, 2019
Summer is finally here, and many people are finally going on their long-awaited vacations. Of course, nobody wants to have an issue with their teeth when they are away from home but being prepared for this type of issue can help you deal with it faster and get back to your vacation. Here are a few tips on how to handle a dental issue while you are on vacation. They always say that the best defense is a good offense. Make sure that you are up to date on your dental checkups before you leave on vacation. This will help you identify any small issues with your teeth that have the potential to turn into major problems while you are away. Not only will you have more peace of mind, but your dentist will have updated records just in case you do run into trouble. Of course, emergencies sometimes occur, even when you have taken all the right steps to prevent them. Keep contact information for your dentist with your travel documents and make sure that you have the office number in your phone. In many cases, your dentist will be able to help you solve your dental problem over the phone and help you get comfortable until you can come home and have an appointment. If you are out of the country, getting the dental care you need may be a bit more complicated, but it is still possible. Contact the US embassy to find a dentist who was trained in the United State. Cruise ships and resort hotels often have a list of providers for emergency dental services. Ask the concierge to help you set up an emergency appointment. When you are out of the country visiting friends or family, go with their best recommendation for dental care. In the hustle and bustle of preparing for a vacation, we often forget something as simple as packing a toothbrush. If you are stuck without a toothbrush and nowhere to get one, you can still take simple steps to clean your teeth. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove bacteria and sugars from the surface of your teeth. You can also put toothpaste on a washcloth until you are able to locate a proper toothbrush. When you do track one down, an ADA approved toothbrush is best but, if that isn’t possible, try to find one with soft bristles. Most of your favorite toothbrush brands can be purchased in any area of the world. Make sure that when you do pack your toothbrush, you do it with care. When we are at home, our toothbrushes have a chance to dry out. Bacteria won’t grow in a dry environment because it needs moisture to live. However, if you brush your teeth right before you leave, you might not have time to let it dry before you need to pack it. In this case, put your toothbrush in a clean plastic bag and keep it away from other items in your suitcase. As soon as possible, take your toothbrush out so that it can dry completely. Sugarless gum is one of the most important things you can keep on you for your dental health while you are traveling. For one thing, it will offer much-needed relief if you experience ear pressure during a plane takeoff or landing. However, sugarless gum can also help reduce your risk of cavities. If you are indulging in a lot of sweet treats during your vacation, chew a piece of sugarless gum afterward to protect your teeth. If you have a crown or bridge in your mouth that becomes loose during vacation, you can use sugar-free gum as a temporary hold until you can get to a dentist. It can also help as a temporary solution for tooth sensitivity when you’re on the road. Remember that not all areas where you travel will have water that is ideal for brushing your teeth. If you aren’t sure, pour bottled water onto your toothbrush instead. You do not want to have your vacation ruined by an illness as a result of ingesting contaminated local water. After your vacation, get right back to your normal oral hygiene routine. Spend some extra time brushing and flossing to make up for any lapses during your trip. Get back to healthy eating habits. There is no problem with indulging on vacation if you can get back to your normal habits when you get home. Looking for a Tilton NH Dentist ? Tilton Family Dental is now accepting new patients. For more information about our services or to request an appointment, click here .

Habits That Could Prevent Cavities in Children

By Gerald M • June 15, 2019
We all know how expensive raising a family can be in today’s world. When you start adding dental bills into the mix, the costs can really start to get out of hand. Unfortunately for most parents, it is a do as I say world, but that is not how children work. They are like sponges and watch every move we make. More importantly to realize is the fact because parents are literally their world, they try to emulate everything mom and dad do as well. Keep that in mind when it comes to your oral health regimen because you need to set the example for your children and show them how to properly care for their teeth the moment they understand tasks like brushing and rinsing. Here are some tips to help ensure you keep your child’s dental health in check and maybe yours as well: Don’t Miss Dental Appointments – this is literally the most basic of oral hygiene regimens. You simply cannot afford to miss a dental appointment because what often happens is you start to become afraid to go for fear of what you may find out. Keep the appointment, period. Sweets Between Meals – ideally, you avoid sweets. But, let’s face facts, we like them just as much as our children do. When picking snacks for the children, try to pick snacks that are healthy and hand them a bottle of water with the snack. Instead of candy, try some frozen grapes or blueberries. Make a game of swishing water around in the mouth after they are done eating to reduce the residue on their teeth. That will suffice until you can get them home to brush. Drinks Before and After Bed – if you are like me, you tend to take a drink to bed with you. For many parents, this often means some type of fruit juice in a sippy cup for the children, which is a big mistake. All the sugar in the drink will be sitting in their mouth all night long eroding away at the tooth enamel. The nighttime drink should be water, period. Brushing Before Bed – getting kids to brush their teeth before bed can be a nightmare, but it is a must to ensure good oral health. Today, there are numerous children-themed toothpastes as well as cool toothbrushes that can be used to make it fun. Put an egg timer on the sink and if they brush for the entire two minutes, give them a reward. You have to make them want to brush their teeth because this is a habit that will last them a lifetime. Do you need to make a dental appointment for your children? If you are looking for a T ilton Dentist , Tilton Family Dental is accepting new patients. For more information about our services or to request an appointment, please click here .

Why Are Teeth Sensitive After Dental Visits?

By Gerald M • June 8, 2019
If you make regular dental visits, you may sometimes notice your teeth are a bit more sensitive after getting treatment. These sensations usually fade over time, however, there are times when that sensitivity continues without abating. Today, we are going to look at how and why this happens as well as what you can do to address it. Deep Cleaning Will Impact Sensitivity For most people, the bi-annual visit to the dentist means the removal of bacteria under the guns and tartar that has calcified on and between the teeth. The dentist or oral hygienist will use a regular pick as well as a small water pressure tool to remove this. For more severe cases, a root planing is done, usually in quadrants (generally, you are also given a local to numb the area being cleaned). When this is done, is it not uncommon to experience sore gums, bleeding gums, and extra-sensitive teeth, especially after a planing is conducted. One of the reasons the teeth will often feel a bit more sensitive is because the plaque has been removed from the surface. These parts of the tooth are once again exposed to the elements. In a normal situation, the extra sensitivity should start to subside in a day or so, and everything should be normal within a few days, a week at the longest. As you brush your teeth, carefully, throughout the week, this will actually help the situation along. In the meantime, avoid eating excessively cold or hot food. When possible, use a straw to drink your liquids to avoid direct contact with the teeth. If the problem persists, however, you should contact your dentist to alert him or her of the situation. Taking Care of Teeth After a Deep Cleaning It is important to understand that even though you may be experiencing some extra sensitivity from your teeth and gums, you still need to maintain a regular oral health regimen, however, there will be some moderate changes in the usual activity. For instance, you should avoid flossing for a day or so to allow the gums to recover. If, however, you have a water flosser, you can reduce the setting and use it to massage the gums and remove loose particles from between the teeth. When brushing your teeth, be sure to use a tooth brush with soft bristles so as not to aggravate the situation further. As mentioned above, avoid liquids of extreme temperature and use a straw to drink when possible. Are you in need of a dental cleaning? If you are looking for a T ilton NH Dentist , Tilton Family Dental is accepting new patients. To learn more about our service or to schedule an appointment, please click here .

Taking Care of Your Oral Health Between Dental Appointments

By Gerald M • June 2, 2019
For many individuals, their next dental appointment may be their first. A far too common thought process is if you are brushing twice daily and flossing, there is simply no need to go to the dentist. That, obviously, is wrong. Regardless of how strict of an oral hygiene regimen you have on your own, bi-yearly dental visits are imperative to ensure good oral health. Now, since it may have been some time since you last visited a dentist or it is your first visit, here are some tips on how to prepare for a visit to the dentist’s office: Learn How to Brush Properly For as long as most of us can remember, we have been brushing our teeth. The question is, though, are you brushing your teeth the right way? Here are the basics in how to brush your teeth properly: · Use soft-bristled brush · After adding toothpaste to the brush, place the brush at the gumline at a 45-degree angle and brush gums before brushing your teeth · When done along the gumline, focus on brushing the front of the teeth before doing the rear · The brush should move vertically across the teeth rather than horizontally (this helps remove plaque from all angles) · Ensure you reach the rear of your mouth to brush the molars (which are often missed, creating the biggest problems for dental visits) Flossing Properly After you have brushed and rinsed, it is time to floss. This will ensure the small food particles left behind and wedged between teeth and under gumlines are removed. Start flossing at the rear bottom, slipping the floss between the teeth and gently moving it upwards. Once the lower level is done, repeat the process on the upper level. For even better results, invest in a water flosser, as they are far more effective than using standard floss. Using Mouthwash The use of a proper mouthwash is just as vital as the first two steps. Today, there are so many varieties and brands, it is virtually impossible not to find something both effective and palatable. You may want to discuss a specific brand with your dentist to ensure you are using a mouthwash most compatible with your needs/concerns. When rinsing, swish a small amount of mouthwash around vigorously for about a minute, then spit out. Looking for a new T ilton NH dentist? Hallmark Dental is now accepting new patients and we would love for you to become part of our dental family. For more information about our services or to make an appointment, please click here .

The Impact of Sugary Drinks on Teeth

By Gerald M • May 29, 2019
Now that the warmer weather is saturating the country, the consumption of sugary drinks is going to escalate considerably. Be it sweet tea or a sports drink or soda pop, people will be tossing them down to quench their thirst and battle the heat. With each sip, though, depending on the type of drink being consumed, you could be doing considerable damage to your teeth. Sure, it may take some time to come to fruition, but all that sugar will take a toll. Defining ‘Sugary’ Drinks It is very important to make note that even some drinks deemed healthy can actually do damage if the proper oral hygiene regimen is not in place. In this particular category, fruit drinks come to mind. Drinks like orange juice, cranberry juice, and smoothies fall into this category. While they may be “healthy” drinks, they also happen to be loaded with sugars. The Damage Whenever you toss down one of these sugar-packed drinks, you are unleashing the sugar on your teeth. While you may believe you have swallowed every ounce of the drink, rest assured, remnants of it are left behind on the surface of the tooth. When this happens, the bacteria in your mouth meant to consume the sugar are also doing damage to the surface of the tooth, eating away at the enamel. Eventually, that enamel gets weaker and we see the beginnings of a cavity forming. Avoiding the Damage of Sugary Drinks The obvious answer here is to cut out sugary drinks altogether, but that is not realistic, especially for health enthusiasts and athletes. For many people, those sugary drinks are the difference in completing the long run or ride and bonking out. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage done and keep the risk of cavities to a minimum. Today, there are several options for rinsing your mouth on the go. Listerine is now selling “portable” chews that can be used. When you are really in a crunch, simply take some water and swish it around in your mouth to get as much of the sugar off your teeth and out of your mouth as possible. For athletes, simply carry an extra bottle filled with water and sip that after sipping on your sports drink. If you have been putting off going to the dentist, now is the time to get your oral health back on track. If you are in need of a T ilton, NH Dentist , Hallmark Dental is now accepting new patients and we would love to have you join our family! For more information about our dental services or our contact information to make an appointment, please click here .

What Can You Eat After a Tooth Extraction?

By Gerald M • May 23, 2019
Although it is an outpatient procedure, tooth extraction for both adults and children is a major medical procedure that will require at least one day of recovery. In some cases, it takes several days if several teeth were extracted or if it was difficult to remove them. Dentists recommend having this type of procedure during vacation periods when patients are already at ease and have the time available to heal. Following the extraction, it is necessary to eat a diet of soft foods that will not irritate the area during recovery. Ice Cream If a patient does not have sensitive teeth, ice cream is one of the first things that they should reach for following a tooth extraction. Even the sorest mouths can generally handle ice cream because it is both soft in texture and cool in temperature. In fact, it is so cold that it can often effectively reduce swelling of the gums as a result of the procedure. Soft serve ice cream is the best option but remember that this is not the time for candy toppings or sprinkles that can get into the healing gums and cause complications. It is also important to remember to rinse your mouth out after eating to avoid any sugar buildup. Cool Soup Another meal option following a tooth extraction is soup, served either cool or lukewarm. At certain times of the year, especially summer, smooth gazpacho may be an even better option than a cool broth. Not only is soup easy to ingest following oral surgery, but it is often packed with nutrients and protein that can aid in the healing process. Make sure you choose a soup that is as smooth as can be to avoid any discomfort. Small noodles or pieces of vegetable are fine but you should avoid any ingredients that would require you to chew while your mouth is healing. Scrambled Eggs Scrambled eggs are a great option after oral surgery because they are nutrient-rich but also soft and require very little chewing. Just make sure that they have adequately cooled before you eat them. Smoothies A fruit smoothie is one of the best ways to get your daily dose of nutrients following a tooth extraction. Blend your fruits with yogurt to enhance your smoothie with calcium, probiotics, and protein. Using a dairy base for your smoothie also reduces the acidity from the fruit, making it less likely to irritate your gums as they heal. If you are in need of dental care and looking for a T ilton, NH Dentist , consider using Hallmark Dental. We are currently accepting new patients and would love to hear from you. For more information about our services, please click here .

What to Expect After Recognizing the 4 Stages of Gum Disease

By Gerald M • May 2, 2019
After recognizing the four stages of gum disease, you must take immediate steps to control your condition before it gets any worse. Gum disease that is left unattended for too long could result in the need for painful surgery or even in the loss of your teeth. Unfortunately, many people wait after recognizing the 4 stages of gum disease because they are nervous about what comes next. Knowing what to expect makes it much easier to move forward and improve your dental health. Recognizing the 4 Stages of Gum Disease There are four stages of gum disease, each with increasingly serious consequences for your overall oral health. For the best chance of recovery, it is vital that you notice the early signs of trouble with your gums. For example, if you notice blood in the sink when you brush your teeth, you may be experiencing the early signs of gum disease. Bad breath, shrinking gums, and sensitive teeth are also common signs of gum disease that often go overlooked by the folks suffering from them. A Deep Cleaning One of the first steps that your dentist will take the correct your gum disease is a deep cleaning. This is a much more in-depth process than the cleaning you would have at a normal checkup and may require more than one visit to complete. The cleaning will include work below your gum line in order to make sure that all of the bacteria is removed from the area. Your dentist may also complete a process called scaling, which involves scraping plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. Additional Treatment In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe medication to help control the infection in your gums before it begins to spread. This may be an oral antibiotic that you take over a period of weeks or, in some cases, an antibiotic gel that you apply directly to the infected area. Whatever the case may be, it is important that you follow your dentist’s instructions and complete the prescription, even if you think that your symptoms have stopped. If you think spot any of the four stages of gum disease, you should make an appointment with your dentist immediately. Early intervention can prevent much more serious issues as your disease progresses through the stages. Although it can be scary, remember that the longer you wait, the more serious the procedures will be to correct the damage done. If you are in need of a dentist and looking for a T ilton Nh Dentist accepting new patients, Hallmark Dental can help. For more information about our services and location, click here .

The Facts About Chipping a Tooth

By Gerald M • April 14, 2019
Whether you’ve been chewing on hard candy or crashing your mountain bike, the second you feel something inside your mouth that won’t dissolve or melt, you know you just broke a tooth and are about to panic. Enamel may be the most mineralized, hardest tissue in your body, but even its strength is limited, especially if any teeth have some decay on them already. If you’ve chipped a tooth, there’s no need to panic, because there are plenty of things your dental professional can do to help. Caring for a Chipped Tooth It goes without saying, but you need to schedule a dental visit immediately when you break, chip, or fracture a tooth. Otherwise, there may further damage or even infection, which could lead to you losing your tooth. Until then, try adhering to several self-care practices: · If you’re in pain, take acetaminophen tablets or similar OTC pain relievers. Rinse out your mouth using salt water. · In the event of a break with jagged, sharp edges, cover the break with sugar-free gum or wax paraffin to protect your tongue, cheeks, and lips. · If you need to eat, choose softer foods and try to avoid biting using your broken tooth. Treatment for chipped teeth will vary by the severity of the damage. Small pieces of enamel breaking off usually just requires one visit, but badly broken teeth may call for longer, costlier procedures, including some of the following: Dental Bonding For teeth that are visible when you smile, a process called bonding will likely be used to repair your tooth, which involves using a composite, tooth-colored resin. To bond your damaged tooth, a dentist uses a gel or liquid to roughen the tooth’s surface, which allows the adhesive material to stick better. Then, the material is applied to your tooth along with the resin. Once this bonding material has been shaped like a regular tooth, ultraviolet light is used for hardening the bond. Dental Crown or Cap When large pieces of tooth break off, your dentist might file or grind away part of that tooth before covering it with a cap or crown, which can be made of all resin, all ceramic, metal, or porcelain fused to metal. Installing a crown often takes two dental visits, with the first involving X-rays for inspecting the tooth’s roots and the surrounding bone. Then, the dentist numbs the surrounding gum and tooth before removing part of the remaining tooth. Next, the dentist uses a putty-like substance to take impressions of the tooth that’s getting the crown and the opposite tooth the crown will be touching. During the next visit, the provisional crown your dentist placed is removed, and they check how your permanent crown fits before it’s cemented in place. Dental Veneers When the front teeth are chipped, veneers can make them look healthy and whole again. They’re thin shells of teeth-colored porcelain or composite material, which cover the front of teeth and have thicker sections for replacing broken or missing parts. To ready your tooth, the dentist removes between 0.3 and 1.2 mm of enamel from your tooth’s surface and then takes impressions to send to the lab. Once your veneer is completed, you go back to your dentist, where they place it by etching your tooth’s surface and roughening it. After a special cement is placed on the veneer, it’s placed into position on the tooth and then a special light is used to harden the cement. In need of dental care? T ilton Family Dental would love to be your new dentist. To see a full list of our dental services, click here .