The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist for the first time as soon as their first tooth erupts, and no later than the age of 12 months. Early visits to the dentist ensure that a child’s oral health is on the right track as they grow up.
A pediatric dentist can educate you and your child about healthy dental habits at every stage, as the primary (baby) teeth develop and are naturally replaced by permanent teeth. This dentist will check for any signs of decay and for any issues with the child’s gums, bite, and jaw.
Let’s take a look at the comprehensive pediatric dental services provided for your kids by the dental staff of Smiles at Doral.
Pediatric Dental Services Offered by Smiles at Doral
You can anticipate excellent oral healthcare by our dental team, including the following:
First Dental Visit
During the child’s first dental checkup, the dentist will quickly check your child’s teeth and gums for decay, any infections, and any abnormal issues. For very young children, the first visit will mainly be to familiarize the child with the dentist’s office so that the child gets a positive first impression of going to the dentist.
Depending on their age, your child’s first dental visit usually requires little or no treatment. However, the dentist may perform a gentle cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar.
The first dental visit is also the best opportunity to discuss children’s oral health basics and dental development with the parent. This may cover basic cleaning habits, thumb sucking, and teething.
Dental Sealants
Regular brushing is the number-one tool in taking care of children’s oral hygiene. After all, brushing helps eliminate plaque and food particles from the teeth’s smooth surfaces. However, toothbrushes may not be able to fully reach some areas of the mouth, especially the deep, uneven grooves of molars.
The role of dental sealants is to protect your child’s teeth by acting as a barrier to keep food particles out of the grooves of their teeth. Sealants can protect teeth against up to 80% of potential cavities. Dentists usually apply this to the child’s molars’ chewing surfaces.
Fluoride Treatments
Once your toddler has their first set of teeth, fluoride dental treatments can begin here at Smiles at Doral. This procedure helps to prevent tooth decay. While fluoride dental treatments help strengthen and protect your child’s teeth, it still goes hand-in-hand with regular brushing and flossing, a healthy diet, and proper dental care.
Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays are vital in tracking the development of a child’s tooth. Dentists use this technology to search for signs of decay, cavities, or other complications that cannot always be seen with just a visual exam.
Smiles at Doral for Your Child’s Healthy Teeth
Here at Smiles at Doral, we make sure that your child’s oral health is at its best – from their toddler years up through adulthood. Along with our caring and dedicated staff, Dr. Belkis Del Puerto is here to provide excellent oral healthcare for your child and your entire family.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Del Puerto, contact us today by calling (305) 597-2227 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your family dentist!