Categories: Family Dentistry

Bring Your Kids In For A Spring Cleaning

Your child should see the dentist twice a year, just like you. These visits help teach your child proper oral hygiene, build good habits, and prevent common dental problems. If it has been a while since they last came in for a cleaning and examination, we’re ready to see you again. The team at Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, will help make this a positive experience for your little one.

Checkups Offer Many Benefits

Preventive care is an essential part of keeping your smile healthy. Your little one’s appointment will be similar to your own. The hygienist will clean and polish their teeth, which can help reduce the chances of bacteria sticking to their teeth and causing cavities. The dentist will also examine their smile with the use of X-rays or other imaging. This helps get a closer look at their pearly whites. Cavities, alignment, and developing teeth may be seen with this. Your child’s very first visit can take place about six months after their first baby tooth comes in. These visits can continue as they grow up and become adults. Our office offers care for patients of all ages.

Discussing Fluoride Treatments Or Sealants

Nearly every person will have at least one cavity in their life. Dental decay is very common in younger patients because they are learning how to care for their smiles. As a parent, you can supervise their oral hygiene routine to ensure they are brushing thoroughly. Other preventive measures, such as fluoride and sealants, can be used for an extra layer of protection. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can strengthen your enamel. Their dentist may recommend this if early signs of decay have been noticed. Sealants are another way to protect their teeth from cavities. This is a thin layer of material that is often applied on the back molars which can be hard to clean.

How Primary Teeth Can Be Restored

Although your little one will eventually lose their first set of teeth, it is important to take good care of them and restore them when necessary. This is often required if your child develops a cavity. To restore the area, a dental filling may be recommended. During this process, the damaged part of the tooth is removed, and the space is filled with a strong material such as composite resin. This helps protect and repair the area.

Your child should continue seeing the dentist every six months throughout their childhood, teen years, and adulthood. Each phase of life may bring changes to their oral health, so it is important to keep continuous track of it.