What age should my child start visiting the dentist?
Regular pediatric dental check-ups are recommended as soon as your child has at least one tooth or by your child’s first birthday. Preventative appointments at a young age allow us to catch oral health problems early, and they provide an opportunity for you to ask questions and learn the best methods for helping your child taking care of his/her teeth and gums.
How often should my child visit the dentist?
The health of your child’s baby teeth is important to us. A preventative dental appointment is recommended every six months so we can monitor your child’s growth and development. Visiting the dentist on a regular basis also helps your child learn to feel relaxed and comfortable in a dental setting.
What is a pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist provides care specifically to children. With additional years of advanced training, a pediatric dentist sees babies, toddlers, children, and teenagers – including those with special needs. Parents can rely on a pediatric dentist to answer questions and to address concerns specifically related to children’s dental-related growth and development. Additionally, a pediatric dentist strives to teach children, as well as their parents, to adopt healthy oral health habits and utilize proper techniques for keeping teeth clean and healthy.
When will my child start getting permanent teeth?
Children are unique, which makes it difficult to put an exact date on when their primary teeth will start exfoliating. However, most children usually begin to lose their primary teeth, which will be replaced by permanent teeth, around the age of six. In most cases, all primary teeth will be exfoliated by the age of 12.
Are dental x-rays safe for my child?
Rest assured that dental x-rays are quite safe, and emit an extremely low level of radiation that is not harmful or dangerous. Even so, we shield our patients with a protective apron, and we only take x-rays when necessary. Dental x-rays are incredibly helpful in allowing us to see areas of your child’s mouth that would otherwise be impossible to examine.
Why is a Mouthguard Important?
If your child participates in any type of contact sport or activity, a mouthguard is essential and recommended. A mouthguard that fits properly provides a layer of protection that can help save your child’s teeth from chips, breaks, or even complete loss. A custom-fit mouthguard is the most cost-effective device to protect upper front teeth from trauma. Please talk to us about a mouthguard if your child is involved in sports or other activities that are prone to cause dental-related injuries.