When Should Your Child First Visit the Dentist?
Maintaining healthy baby teeth provides lifelong benefits. Those tiny chompers hold the needed space for the adult teeth developing behind the scenes, allowing them to erupt in the proper position. Moreover, they help your child with speech development and play a role in the healthy growth of the jaw and muscles. Premature loss of primary teeth can interfere with your child’s biting and chewing. Additionally, the adjacent teeth may start tilting and shifting out of alignment, resulting in crooked teeth and a crowded mouth, that will likely require orthodontic treatment down the road.
It also plays a crucial role in identifying dental issues early on, when they are easiest to treat. Following are some of the preventive services we offer:
- Dental Cleanings and Exams: During your child's twice-a-year appointments, we perform thorough dental cleanings to remove any built-up plaque or tartar and clean those hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. We will also conduct an examination and take X-rays to check for signs of cavities or other potential problems. We will discuss areas that may need more attention when helping your child brush or floss and ways to decrease the risk of cavities.
- Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, strengthens the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Although present in toothpaste and drinking water, your child's teeth may need a fluoride boost for maximum protection.
- Dental Sealants: Molars have grooves and crevices on their chewing surfaces that trap food debris and provide a breeding ground for bacteria. Dental sealants are protective, clear coatings that essentially seal off the chewing surfaces of your child's teeth and help prevent exposure to cavity-causing bacteria.
- Mouthguards: We offer custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect young athletes from sustaining dental injuries during sports activities. We also provide protective mouthguards for children dealing with habitual nighttime teeth grinding.
Restorative Dentistry Procedures
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing a tooth's health, functionality, and appearance. From decay to dental trauma, we will get your child's smile back in tip-top shape!
Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles
Encourage regular brushing and flossing, and limit your child's intake of sugary foods and beverages. Make sure your little one consumes a healthy, balanced diet to provide the growing teeth with the nutrition they need to stay healthy. Starting proper dental hygiene practices from a young age will set the stage for lifelong oral health.
Gentle Pediatric Dentistry Services Near Me
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