When was the last time you brought your little one to the dentist? Regular visits are crucial for keeping kids free of issues like tooth decay, and they help them better understand their own oral health! In today’s blog, your Garland, TX, dentist will discuss why children need to see the dentist for treatment.
The First Appointment
The first appointment should happen at around age one, shortly after the first baby teeth arrive. This is also known as a “happy visit” because it involves no treatment, just a knee-to-knee lap exam so the dentist can make sure baby teeth are erupting as they should. If your child is coming in for his or her first visit at an older age, just know that we always take time to help them feel relaxed and comfortable. We want children to enjoy their time in the office, and leave excited for their next visit!
Checkups and Cleanings
Starting at around age two, children need to see us for regular checkups and cleanings every six months. Our team will carefully examine the teeth and gums with digital x-rays and intraoral camera images, so we can make a diagnosis with precision and accuracy, and ensure the process is also a fast and comfortable one as well. We want to watch for signs of tooth decay or gingivitis, and also make sure baby teeth are falling out on time and that permanent teeth are erupting properly, which helps ensure good alignment. We also clean the teeth, a process that involves using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to break up and remove all plaque and tartar buildup from the smile. This helps not only fight bad breath and teeth stains, but cavities and periodontal issues too!
Preventive Treatment Options
We also offer unique preventive treatments to help strengthen little smiles too. For example, during each checkup our team can apply a fluoride gel to the teeth. This helps strengthen the outer enamel to lower the risk of cavities. Many kids also have trouble reaching the rear teeth when they brush and floss. Which is why we offer dental sealants. We apply a thin plastic coating to the rear teeth, which are often hard for kids to reach when they brush and floss. The sealants prevent food particles from being stuck on or between the teeth, preventing decay in the most vulnerable part of their smile. The sealants can last for up to ten years in some cases!
Do You Have Questions About Children’s Dentistry?
We would like to help kids of all ages enjoy bright and healthy smiles. To learn more about how we help kids enjoy better oral health, then please schedule a consultation today by contacting Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX at (972)-530-0552. You can also find our practice at 6850 N Shiloh Rd, Suite C Garland, TX 75044.
