Seeing a family dentist on a regular basis is vital for maintaining excellent oral hygiene and gum health in adults, but how does this translate to children? While adult patients may know exactly when they need to see a dentist, questions may arise about checkups for children. Since children may not fully understand the necessity of a checkup, oral problems may go unnoticed by parents if children fail to voice concerns. Knowing when to take a child to the dentist can prevent greater problems in the future.
Parents, particularly those with their first child, may wonder when it is the right time to take a child to the dentist for the first time, how often to go in for a checkup, and what home-care practices to follow. Teeth are a critical part of any child’s development, and explaining the importance of checkups to a child can make the first appointment easier. Here are strategies to consider before visiting the dentist and how frequently appointments should be scheduled.
Baby teeth may start to emerge in an infant at around six months of age. Even before the teeth arrive, bacteria can build up on the gums, so parents are encouraged to wipe the gums daily with a wet cloth. This can ensure the mouth stays clean and fosters a healthy environment as the child’s teeth develop. Once all the baby teeth are prominent, consider seeing a family dentist to learn what needs to be done to keep the teeth and gums healthy.
Though baby teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced by permanent adult teeth, it is still essential to keep up on cleanings while children are young. Baby teeth help establish children’s speech patterns and help with chewing, which ensures they are getting proper nutrition. After a child has started visiting the dentist, parents should continue making an appointment every six months. Most dental offices send out reminders to parents when it is time to schedule the next checkup.
Even if nothing appears wrong to a patient, a dentist may discover early signs of tooth decay or gum disease that require preventative measures to keep the condition from worsening. Children may be less likely to report an issue, so seeing a dentist two times a year allows the dentist to spot any problems. Regular checkups also give children the opportunity to get comfortable with the dentist and the dental office. In the case of an emergency, parents can bring a child into an office that is already familiar, which can ease stress and tension.
Children may experience anxiety before a first dental checkup. This is completely normal, and there are a few tricks parents can use to ease their nerves. Children can accompany a parent to an adult checkup to watch the cleaning procedure, and there are plenty of kids’ books available to teach children about what it is like to visit a family dentist. A dental checkup should be an easy experience for children, not a hassle.
Request an appointment here: https://www.titandentalcare.com or call Titan Dental Care at (703) 745-3227 for an appointment in our Sterling office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Sterling, VA.
Your child may have anxiety in advance of their first visit with a family dentist. You can help your child manage their nerves by learning what to expect during the visit and how you can prepare your child. This review offers insights into the process of your child’s first family dentist visit and what to…
Dental visits are an important component of a comprehensive oral health care routine. Whether your upcoming family dentist appointment is for a regular cleaning and checkup or a more involved procedure, there are a handful of things you can do in advance to prepare. The most important thing you can do for your dental appointment is…
When you are looking for a dentist, you are not just looking for someone who can clean your teeth. You also want to have someone who is looking out for your interests overall. Your dental health is not just about your smile. It affects your entire body. This is why you want to find a…
Most family dentists say brushing twice a day is one of the most important parts of good oral hygiene. Using the right toothpaste is equally important. Brushing removes bacteria, food particles and debris from teeth surfaces and the tongue.Oral bacteria feast on food particles and they excrete acids that eat away at teeth enamel. This…
Are you looking into your teeth straightening options? Orthodontics is a popular part of the dental arena, as straight teeth are desirable. Not only because straight teeth make for a pleasant-looking smile, but it is also important for teeth to be in their correct positions in order to support good oral health. Choosing a general…
Are you searching for a "dentist near me"? Read on to learn more about choosing a dental health professional. If you are in a new location or just need to find a new "dentist near me," you will probably need to explore a couple of options. Finding a good dentist requires you to do your…