Pediatric dentistry visits should begin while the child is still a toddler. Early visits allow the dentist to better understand every child’s oral development while baby teeth emerge. They can also diagnose and address any oral health concerns early to minimize their short-term and long-term impact.
The following is a complete guide to pediatric dentistry for parents, particularly concerning your child’s first few visits. The following review answers questions parents may have regarding when their children should visit the pediatric dentist for the first time, what to expect during the first few visits, and more.
Parents should schedule their child’s first pediatric dentistry visit once they reach their first birthday or within six months from when their first tooth emerges. This can seem earlier than necessary for some patients. Still, it is essential to ensure the proper development of baby teeth and detect and address any concerns as soon as possible. Otherwise, the toddler could experience unnecessary discomfort during the teething stage and be at an increased risk of certain oral health conditions.
The first pediatric dentistry visit is simply an opportunity for the pediatric dentist to learn more about the child’s oral development. The visit also serves as an opportunity for the dentist and staff to talk about oral care for toddlers. This visit may include keeping the child’s mouth clean, dietary choices, preventing baby bottle tooth decay, and more. In most cases, no procedures are performed on the first visit.
Pediatric dentistry visits are recommended two or three times a year for patients with a healthy smile and are focused on prevention. Of course, adults should also follow the same dental visit schedule. In addition, dental professionals may recommend more frequent visits for patients with specific oral health problems that need to be addressed (i.e., cavities).
The majority of oral care takes place at home. Oral care should include brushing all areas of teeth thoroughly several times daily and flossing daily; limiting sugar consumption can also help protect baby teeth in-between pediatric dentistry visits. In addition, highly active children who participate in activities that could result in a blow to the mouth (i.e., contact sports, martial arts, etc.) may need a dental mouthguard to help protect against dental trauma.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentistry in Richmond, TX
If your toddler has reached their first birthday, then the time is now to schedule a pediatric dentistry visit. Our kid-friendly team at our practice can assist you with your child’s dental care needs. Give us a call or send us a message to learn more and schedule your child’s first (or follow-up) visit.
Request an appointment or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at 832-579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Visiting a pediatric dentistry office with your child ensures his or her future relationship with oral hygiene and dentists, in general. Whenever your child suffers from oral injuries, consider making an appointment with your pediatric dentist to uncover any underlying problems. For instance, injuries to the tongue and teeth could indicate a deeper jaw or…
Fluoridated water is part of pediatric dentistry. It is a convenient and easy way to strengthen and protect teeth at an early age. Many areas have fluoridated water, which is a definite advantage. If you want to know why a dentist will likely recommend fluoridated water, here are the details.Studies show that almost all sources…
Nutrition is an important part of pediatric dentistry. Having balanced amounts of vitamins and minerals can strengthen and protect the teeth. Proper nutrients also fuel dental function. If you want to know how important nutrition is for your child’s oral health, here are the details from a pediatric dentistry professional.Children are still developing. They need…
Oral hygiene basics include how to get rid of plaque and tartar. However, there is a common misconception that plaque and tartar are the same. In reality, they have significant differences. The following article aims to provide you with a better understanding of their distinctions and how you can help your child improve their oral…
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day — once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different? This article will explore why…