Nurturing Oral Health Habits in Children
Teaching your kids the right way to take care of their smile is very important. Many dentists recommend starting early to give your children plenty of time to develop good oral hygiene habits to keep their teeth clean & cavity-free at a time in life when they should be able to focus on growing & learning.
What is Children’s Dentistry?
Children’s dentistry focuses on giving children the tools they need to have healthy teeth so they can live without fear of aches & issues. Integral to this mission is prevention. Fluoride treatments are excellent for supplementing oral hygiene habits & preventing tooth decay. While fluoride is commonly present in drinking water, regular fluoride treatments can help children stay ahead of the curve in protecting their teeth. Similarly, sealants may be recommended to cover & protect the teeth most vulnerable to bacteria. However, neither fluoride nor sealants are a replacement for daily brushing & flossing!
The American Dental Association recommends taking your child to his or her first dental exam within 6 months of when they get their first tooth. This might seem early, but it’s never too early to start forming a positive relationship with a dentist! Plus, children who have a good relationship with their dentist are more likely to be well-behaved at dental visits & form good dental habits that prevent costly dental work in the future.
Building Strong Foundations for Healthy Smiles
At those early appointments, we can show you how to care for your child’s teeth. We can also talk about things that can support dental health, like fluoride & diet choices. As your child grows, their appointments will start to look similar to your own regular visits, with cleanings & cavity checks. Regular visits also allow us to track your child’s dental needs so we can develop a personalized dental plan as they grow.
Many parents wonder why it’s important to take care of their children’s baby teeth (or as we call them, primary teeth) when they will just be replaced with adult teeth in a few years or less. Besides the importance of children learning good dental habits to carry with them through their lives, teeth are essential for speaking & eating. Children with bad or missing teeth may have trouble speaking with confidence or eating the food they need to grow. Additionally, poor dental health is one of the main reasons children miss school—think about how hard it is to concentrate on work or to get quality sleep when you have a toothache!
Nurturing Healthy Smiles with Preventive Care and Gentle Expertise
Children’s dentistry focuses on giving children the tools they need to have healthy teeth so they can live without fear of aches & issues. Integral to this mission is prevention. Fluoride treatments are excellent for supplementing oral hygiene habits & preventing tooth decay. While fluoride is commonly present in drinking water, regular fluoride treatments can help children stay ahead of the curve in protecting their teeth. Similarly, sealants may be recommended to cover & protect the teeth most vulnerable to bacteria. However, neither fluoride nor sealants are a replacement for daily brushing & flossing!
We understand that children have different needs & sensitivities than adults & we address them all. Adults want the best technology, the most informed doctors & the highest-quality care. While all these are important when caring for kids, they also require special attention in order to feel comfortable & respected. We offer the best of both worlds. Our dentists have extensive experience working with children & teens, so we can make the dental experience more enjoyable for everyone. By making kids comfortable with dentistry at a younger age, they’ll have the correct knowledge to provide them with a lifetime of excellent dental health! Call us for your child’s appointment today!
F.A.Q.
1. How do you define a pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist specializes in children’s oral health care and works with them infancy through teenage years. Our pediatric dentistry focuses on preventive care and early detection of potential dental issues.
2. When should my child have their first dental visit?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends that children visit a dentist no later than their first birthday or when the first tooth erupts.
3. What services are included in pediatric dentistry?
Our pediatric dentistry services include things like regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants and cavity checks.
4. How can I schedule an appointment for my child?
Scheduling an appointment at King Village Dental is convenient. You can call us or go to our contact page to request an appointment.
5. What should I expect during my child’s dental visit?
The first visit focuses on an exam of your child’s teeth and gums. We clean them and apply fluoride treatments, if needed. We also advise you how to provide good oral hygiene at home.
6. Are dental services for children covered by insurance?
Dental insurance likely covers children’s dental services because most are preventive. We won’t know until we check but we bill insurance directly. We can check before your appointment to ensure it is covered.
7. How can I prepare my child for their first dental visit?
The best thing you can do is reassure your child that going to the dentist is a positive experience. Tell them this is how they keep their teeth healthy and remain calm yourself.
8. What makes King Village Dental a good choice for pediatric dentistry?
King Village Dental provides compassionate dental care for children and is accustomed to working with kids. We make the office comfortable for them so they don’t mind coming.