Did You Know? … More than half of all first graders and 80% of 17-year-olds need a cavity filling?!
According to research, the most common chronic childhood disease in America is tooth decay, costing parents hundreds of dollars in dental care and causing students to miss valuable time from school. The best way to prevent cavities and tooth decay in children is through regular visits to the dentist and routine teeth cleanings. Our focus in these early visits is on preventive dental care and early detection of dental diseases.
Seeing a family dentist often means more convenience and flexibility with the entire family treated by the same dentist. Our team see children as young as age 4. These early visits are important for both oral health maintenance and establishing a relationship with the dentist and alleviating the stress and anxiety often associated with dental care.
A Child’s First Visit to the Dentist
Where a pediatric dentist is solely focused on children, our office is family oriented. We encourage parents to bring their children to the dentist early so they can become familiar with our dental office. Our staff is trained to make children feel as comfortable as possible. It is not uncommon for children to experience anxiety and fear when visiting the dentist. Children look to parents for signs, so the best thing you can do for your child is to remain calm and relaxed.
Routine Pediatric Dentistry Visits Will Include:
- Teeth cleaning
- Diagnostic x-rays (as needed)
- Charting of teeth and existing tooth conditions
- Dental caries (cavities) screening
- Evaluation of the gums
- Examination of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and jaw position
- Educating Parents for Pediatric Dentistry
In many situations, if issues are discovered, early intervention and prompt treatment can avoid more complex dental problems. These complex issues can affect speech development, jaw development, long term oral health and even the appearance of their smile. We understand how frightening it can be for a child to receive a tooth filling or any other treatments. Our compassionate and caring staff are prepared for this. It is more important to resolve issues like cavities as soon as possible so they do not get worse.
Importance of Pediatric Dentistry
Parents and guardians are the key to optimal pediatric dental health. Setting good examples at home and teaching habits early will help to establish optimal long-term dental health. Good oral health contributes to the overall health of the child as well as their self-image and feelings of achievement.
Our staff works with parents and guardians to help them teach proper pediatric dental care and address common issues such as thumb sucking, tooth decay, orthodontic treatment, and wisdom teeth removal.
In between visits to the dentist, parents can do many things to ensure the health of their children’s teeth:
- Brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (over age 2)
- Flossing once a day
- Limiting sugary drinks and beverages
- Following recommended guidelines for nursing, bottle and sippy cup use
