As a parent, you will experience many milestones with your child – the first steps, first words, and first dental visit! Our team at Main Street Dental Smiles is pleased to offer children’s dentistry services tailored to your child’s unique needs. We look forward to partnering with you to ensure your little one’s smile is off to a great start.
When Should You Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit within six months of the first tooth erupting or by the first birthday, whichever comes first. Why start so early, you may wonder. Caring for your child’s teeth right from the start helps lay the groundwork for a lifetime of good oral health.
Scheduling dental visits from a young age allows us to monitor your child’s oral development, identify potential issues, and offer advice on good oral health practices. Early visits also help acclimate your child to the dental environment, making future visits less intimidating. Starting dental visits early helps contribute to a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.
What to Expect During the First Visit?
Your child’s first dental visit is usually quick. We will ensure your little one is comfortable before taking a complete medical history and asking about current concerns. Next, we will conduct a gentle but thorough examination to evaluate every aspect of your child’s oral health, including the mouth, gums, and jaw. We will check for signs of decay, assess your child’s bite, and ensure their oral development is on track.
After examining your child’s smile, we will discuss our observations and may recommend preventive or restorative care to keep dental disease at bay. We may provide guidance on smile-healthy nutrition and discuss teething, pacifier use, thumb-sucking, and any other age-appropriate concerns. We are also happy to offer tips on caring for your child’s oral health at home.
Children’s Preventive Services
We provide the following services to ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and bright:
- Dental Exams: We evaluate every aspect of your child’s oral health, including the teeth, gums, lips, and overall development. We may take digital dental x-rays, if needed, to uncover underlying concerns not visible during physical examinations.
- Dental Cleanings: Our dental hygienist gently cleans away plaque and tartar, flosses, and polishes your child’s teeth, leaving them clean and fresh. We also demonstrate good home oral hygiene habits for long-term healthy smiles.
- Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride helps strengthen the tooth enamel, giving your child’s teeth an extra layer of protection against cavities. It also helps remineralize the tooth enamel, reversing the early signs of decay.
- Dental Sealants: The chewing surfaces of your child’s premolars and molars have grooves and crevices that trap food particles and bacteria. Dental sealants provide a protective coating that essentially seals off the teeth, lowering the risk of cavities.
- Mouthguards: We are happy to provide custom mouthguards for children engaged in high-impact sports to lower the risk of dental injuries. We also offer protective night guards for children who grind their teeth in their sleep, a condition known as bruxism.
Children’s Dentistry Near Me in Whitesboro, TX
Main Street Smiles is committed to providing exceptional care for young smiles. By scheduling the first dental visit early, you are helping create positive associations with future dental care and laying the foundation for long-term bright and healthy smiles. We invite you to call 903-564-3451 to schedule your appointment or book one online today!