Did you know that your son or daughter should first see their dentist for a checkup by the time their first birthday rolls around? While that might seem a little early, it actually helps set the foundation for your child to have a lifetime of healthy smiles. Having them attend kids’ dental checkups and cleanings on a regular basis prevents certain problems like tooth decay from requiring more invasive treatment in the future. These appointments also allow us to remove harmful plaque that could contribute to cavities and infections. Our children’s dentistry team will be by your little one’s side every step of the way to help them achieve optimal oral health.
Even though primary teeth (also known as baby teeth) are only in the mouth for a few short years, they serve an important purpose. Not only do they help your son or daughter talk, eat, and smile with confidence, they hold space in the jaw for their underlying permanent teeth. If a primary tooth is lost too soon, whether due to injury, decay, or other damage, the adult teeth could grow in at awkward angles, resulting in the need for orthodontic treatment in the future.
Regular checkups and cleanings allow us to monitor your child’s oral development and ensure their teeth remain as healthy as can be. We do our utmost to build a warm relationship with them so that they only have positive experiences in our office.
At your baby’s first visit, one of our dental hygienists will clean and polish the teeth they have. As your child ages, the hygienist will use special instruments to remove built-up plaque from their teeth and gums, reducing their risk of cavities. Their teeth will also be polished, giving them a nice white sheen. We may recommend a topical fluoride varnish or dental sealants as an added measure of protection against tooth decay.
The hygienist can also discuss your child’s at-home brushing and flossing habits with you and make suggestions for certain products that might benefit their oral health.
During the checkup portion of the appointment, we take x-rays of your child’s mouth to check for issues hidden beneath the surface, such as complications with the developing adult teeth. We also conduct a thorough visual examination. If we detect a problem, we can discuss it with you and come up with a personalized treatment plan to get your little one’s smile back on the right track. Lastly, we can talk about any concerns you might have, such as thumb sucking or nail biting, and determine how to best address those issues.
At Texas Dentistry, we are specially trained to handle the unique oral health needs of younger patients in the Kaufman area. If your son or daughter has not visited a dentist in more than six months, or you have questions about any of our services, contact us today. We look forward to nurturing your child’s precious smile to ensure it grows up healthy and strong.
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