Pediatric Dentistry for Kid-Sized Oral Health
The health of “baby” or first teeth impacts the formation of adult teeth. Pediatric Dentistry helps maintain healthy teeth from the start.
The health of “baby” or first teeth impacts the formation of adult teeth. Pediatric Dentistry helps maintain healthy teeth from the start.
Raising your child includes taking care of their dental health. Even though kids eventually lose their baby teeth, dentistry for children is important to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral risk factors that can impact the formation of adult teeth. Early visits to the dentist also get kids into the routine of dental visits and establish good oral health care habits that last a lifetime.
Pediatric dentistry specializes in providing dental treatment for children. Infants and young kids experience dental visits in entirely different ways than adults do, and they require unique distractions, gentle reassurance, and kid-sized dental tools for a successful result.
Many parents wonder when their child should start visiting the dentist. The recommendation is that kids should have their first appointment by their first birthday or within six months of getting their first tooth. Sometimes babies are reluctant to open wide, however, the first visit will end up being primarily an important educational opportunity for the parents. For example, your child’s dentist will teach you how to care for your baby’s teeth and gums properly. Your child’s pediatric dentist will also ask about eating habits and provide dietary counseling. Many parents are surprised by some of how foods and drinks affect their children’s oral health.
Pediatric dental services we provide include:
Your child’s first dental visit is to help your child feel comfortable with the dentist. Parents are encouraged to join children in the exam room to facilitate effective communication regarding their child’s pediatric dental care. The presence of a parent can also make a child feel more comfortable during the appointment. The first dental visit often lasts 45 minutes to an hour. The visit may include a full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check growth and development. Your child may also have a gentle cleaning. This includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar, and stains. The dentist may show you and your child correct home cleaning, such as flossing, and advise you on the need for fluoride. Your child’s dentist may recommend X-rays to diagnose decay, depending on your child’s age, as well as evaluate future permanent teeth as they come in. Here at Superior Family, we try to develop positive oral health habits with the combination of preventive services to best set-up your child for the future
Don’t delay in starting or maintaining dental care for your child. Contact us today to schedule your child’s first — or next — pediatric dental appointment. Every kid deserves a healthy, happy smile!