How Much Do You Know About Children’s Dentistry?

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As an adult, taking good care of your teeth can seem like second-nature. However, you had to learn what you know about good dental health, and teaching children the same lessons is vital to their lifelong dental health, as well. Because good hygiene practices and regular preventive care seem to come naturally, you may have questions you didn’t realize you have, especially about children’s dentistry. Therefore, we answer a couple of common questions about the details of children’s dental health and how you can help optimize the health and appearance of your child’s smile.

When should I schedule my child’s first visit?

You don’t have to wait until your child can brush and floss alone before scheduling a first dental appointment. In fact, children should first see the dentist soon after their first tooth appears, or shortly after their first birthday. This visit doesn’t involve treatment, but is an introductory visit where your child’s dentist can check for proper development and children can become acquainted with the dentist’s office.

Does it matter if a baby tooth falls out early?

Because baby teeth (or primary teeth) are bound to fall out, it can seem trivial to worry about it when it happens. However, the purpose of primary teeth is to help prepare your child’s oral structures for the growth and development of their permanent teeth. If a tooth falls out early, then the underlying adult tooth may experience trouble erupting properly, which could lead to more serious dental health issues in the future.

What if my child’s baby tooth gets a cavity?

Tooth decay, which is the most common chronic dental issue for children, is caused by excessive oral bacteria. The cavity that forms from decay will grow larger the longer it’s left untreated, and in a primary tooth, this infection may spread to the permanent tooth underneath it. To stop this, your child’s dentist can recommend a tooth-colored filling to treat the cavity and preserve the primary tooth until it is ready to fall out naturally.

Learn More About Professional Dental Care for Children

At our office, caring for children’s smiles is one of the things we do best! To learn more, or to schedule an appointment for your child, call Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).