Pediatric Prevention – X-rays, Exams, Cleanings, and Fluoride
When you are a parent, your child’s well-being is a top priority, including their oral health. Like you, your child should visit the dentist every six months. Choosing a pediatric dentist for their care makes the experience the best it can be because we focus on your child’s unique needs as well as their comfort.
Your Child’s First Visit
According to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your son or daughter’s first visit should happen around the age of one year, or six months after their first tooth arrives, whichever comes first.
That might seem early, but it allows us the opportunity to start building a relationship with your child. This is important because many people who fear the dentist report that their anxiety began at a young age. We want your children to feel comfortable, safe, and confident about their future dental visits.
Early visits also allow us to begin watching your son or daughter’s oral development to detect any potential concerns in their initial stages.
When They Get Older
As your child grows, we will begin to include cleanings at routine visits. We do this only when they feel comfortable and ready for it. We are also careful to explain every procedure so your little one is not surprised or uncomfortable during the procedure.
When kids get older, we may recommend dental sealants and fluoride treatments to protect their oral health.
Fluoride helps to strengthen small teeth that are still developing. Because it’s a mineral, it can also assist in rebuilding teeth that have been compromised by tooth decay. In addition, fluoride treatments are easily incorporated into your child’s cleanings and don’t require extra appointment time.
Dental sealants are a thin layer of a protective coating that covers the biting surfaces of your son or daughter’s back teeth. Sealants are a noninvasive treatment that can typically be completed during one short appointment. We notice less tooth decay and cavities in our patients with sealants as opposed to those without them.
Protecting Their Oral Health
Besides dental sealants and fluoride treatments, your pediatric dentist will also recommend the right protective mouth guard for your child if they should participate in sports.
Did you know that nearly 40 percent of dental emergencies are sports-related? Choosing a custom mouth guard for your son or daughter will give them the protection they need to excel in their chosen sport and protect their teeth and mouth from injury.
Contact our pediatric dental office today if you have questions about your child’s oral health or if it’s time to schedule their next appointment.
