Children should receive dental cleanings every six months. These cleanings should start by age one or no later than six months after the first teeth appear.
Early cleanings remove plaque and food particles and teach children that visiting the dentist is a positive experience.
Why Do Children Need Early Dental Care?
Early dental care sets a solid foundation for your child's lifelong dental health. Even though a child's primary (baby) teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth, taking good care of them is a must to prevent future issues.
Pediatric Dental Exams
Pediatric dentists specialize in caring for children's teeth. They have special techniques and a warm bedside manner to help your child feel at ease. In a pediatric dentist's office, everything is geared toward your child's safety and comfort.
The first visit introduces your child to the dentist's office. The dentist will assess the teeth, gums, dental bite, jaws, and other oral tissues. Typically, pediatric dentists avoid X-rays on young children unless necessary to diagnose decay.
After a toddler's first introductory visit, a child's dental exam is much like an adult exam but with a special touch that keeps children comfortable. Visits include a gentle cleaning to remove plaque, stains, and tartar. As your child builds confidence in the office, twice-yearly visits will become a familiar routine.
The pediatric dentist instructs your child on how and why they should care for their teeth, making the process fun. They also provide vital information about dental care to parents.
Dental Problems Appearing in Children
Regular dental care is a must for children. It can detect these problems before they become severe:
- Dental bite issues that may require braces later in life
- Oral malformation
- Tooth decay
- Sensitive, bleeding gums
Tips On Caring For Your Child's Teeth at Home
Wipe your infant's gums with a soft, clean cloth twice daily. When the first teeth emerge, use a smear of children's fluoride toothpaste on a soft baby toothbrush.
Start flossing as early as possible to build positive oral health habits and reduce plaque and tooth decay. As your child grows, continue to brush and floss their teeth for them until they are between 6 and 8 years old. Allow them to learn and practice the technique.
Avoid putting your baby or toddler to bed with a bottle of anything but water to prevent tooth decay.
Trust a Pediatric Dentist
We value our young patients and treat them like family. We do our best to make children feel comfortable and relaxed in our office. Gentle, minimally invasive dental care from a young age builds confidence and allows the child to maintain positive oral care habits.
Call Dream Smiles
If your toddler or child needs their first exam or any other type of dental care, Dream Smiles Pediatric Dentistry of Gaithersburg welcomes you to call our practice at 301-327-1003.