Dr. Risser
Dr. Risser has recently completed dental continuing education courses on the topics of dental implants, cosmetic smile design, and bite corrections. Read More
Dr. Cocquyt
Dr. Susan Cocquyt , a Mishawaka native, graduated from Indiana Universtiy School of Dentistry in 1993. Read More
Dr. Boone
 Dr. Bonni Boone graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1988. Read More
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Tooth decay, even in the earliest stages of life, can have serious implications for a child's long term health and well-being, an it's becoming a more pressing issue every day. A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found a large increase in cavities among two to five year olds. As an effective way to begin a lifelong program of preventive dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that dental visits begin with the appearance of a child's first tooth, typically around six months but no later than one year. 
During the "First Tooth Visit" we check for proper oral and facial development, determine whether teeth are growing in properly and detect early tooth decay. Also a vital part of our focus is educating parents on proper brushing, flossing and nutrition. We recommend that children see their dentist every 6 months after the first tooth erupts. Dental x-rays usually begin around age 4 or 5. In addition to regular dental visits, Erskine Family Dentistry recommends that parents take the following precautions to help prevent tooth decay in children: - Brush your child's gums twice a day with a soft cloth or baby toothbrush and water even before the first tooth appears.
- Talk to your dentist about your child's fluoride needs. Infants require fluoride to help developing teeth grow strong, and children who primarily drink bottled water , or whose homes are on well water, may not be getting the fluoride that they need.
- If you must put your child to sleep with a bottle, use nothing but water, other beverages can damage teeth, leading to cavities.
- Never dip a pacifier into honey or anything sweet before giving it to a baby.
- Discontinue pacifier use by 18 months so that open bite does not occur.
- The best times for your child to brush are after breakfast and before bed.
- Limit frequency of snacking, which can increase a child's risk of developing cavities.
- Juice is particularly causative of early childhood decay. Limit juice to 6oz per day, and dilute 50/50 with water.
- Take good care of your own teeth. Studies show that babies and small children can "catch" cavity-causing bacteria from their parents.
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