More than likely you take your child to visit their pediatrician at least once a year for a well child exam. These exams are important for monitoring a child’s development and maintaining good health as he or she grows. However, many parents do not view taking their children to the dentist with as high a priority as taking them to the pediatrician. Regular care of your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth is an important piece of the puzzle in helping your child to maintain good overall health. Routine dental appointments are one of the best ways to ensure that your child has a healthy mouth.
When to Schedule a Dental Exam
As a Pediatric Dental office we follow guidelines developed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. These guidelines recommend your child be seen for their first dental exam by age one or six months after their first tooth erupts. Not only does this appointment serve as their first cleaning and checkup, it is meant to help parent to gain knowledge of how to keep their child’s mouth healthy. For ongoing dental care be sure to schedule your child for an appointment twice per year for a cleaning and exam.
Visiting the Correct Dentist
There is a difference between a general dentist and a pediatric dentist. The easiest way to explain a pediatric dentist is that they are the pediatricians of the dental world. A pediatric dentist completes an additional 2-3 years of specialized training after dental school that focuses on treating children from infants to teenagers.
Dental Checkups
Typically your child’s dental appointment will start off with a cleaning and possible x-rays from a hygienist to determine how well their teeth are developing. Afterwards the dentist will come in and do a thorough exam, check the x-rays and give you advice on any treatment that is necessary.
At Home Oral Care
Bringing your child to the dentist on a regular basis is very important, but so is proper oral care at home. While you are at your child’s checkup the dentist will give you tips and suggestions on correct ways to brush and floss, and how to help your child achieve a beautiful, healthy, sparkling smile. Making sure you establish a healthy routine of helping your child brush twice per day, and floss each night is essential for their oral health. During your child’s checkups, the dentist will discuss the correct ways to brush, floss, and rinse to achieve healthy teeth. Brushing twice a day, for two minutes at a time, and flossing each night are best habits for your child to follow.
A healthy beautiful smile is something your child deserves, so please call our office if you have any questions and let us give you more information about proper oral healthcare.