If you’re a parent, you want to give your child the healthcare they deserve. You especially want it to be better than what your parents were able to provide you. When it comes to long-lasting health and improving your child’s quality of life, oral health is a great place to start. When they visit the dentist regularly, maintain their oral habits, and understand the importance of oral hygiene, their smile will a last a lifetime.
That’s why your children’s dentistry in Altavista wants to make your next dental visit comfortable and predictable. Keep reading to learn some tips to help your family and know what to expect at your next appointment.
The Importance of Children’s Dental Care
Whether it’s baby teeth or permanent teeth, oral care is incredibly important to your child’s early development. When they visit the dentist at a young age, your dentist can make sure their teeth are coming in properly as well as prepare you for speed bumps later in life. For example, if they think your child is more vulnerable to tooth decay, they’ll recommend dental sealants for additional protection. If they notice that their teeth are growing in crooked and that eventually they’ll need orthodontics to correct it, you can better prepare.
Making your child comfortable in the dental office early is also key to making sure they continue to visit the dentist regularly on their own. To remove plaque and catch early signs of gum disease, they should be visiting every 6 months. When your child’s first tooth erupts, you bring them to the dentist within 6 months, but no later than your child’s first birthday, according to the ADA.
How to Help Your Child at Home
There are many ways to make oral care at home much easier for you and your child. To start, set a specific time for when its’s time to brush. This will help your child establish a habit at a young age. Most dentists recommend brushing in the morning and before bed, but if you brush a minimum of twice a day you’ll be okay. Be sure to brush if you eat and then plan on sleeping; bacteria love to eat food debris and multiply during this time.
When brushing, use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and help your child guide their toothbrush in all the necessary areas of their mouth. Start by using a circular motion on the front of their teeth followed by the flat surfaces. Be sure to reach the back teeth and back surfaces of teeth where tartar can easily form. Make sure they brush their tongue and along the gum line as well.
What to Expect from Your First Visit
During your visit at your children’s dentistry in Altavista, you can expect a fun and friendly office environment and a team who’s experienced and patient with children. The initial visit will only consist of an examination if your child is very young, followed by tips for at-home care and explanations of treatments to consider in the future. This can include:
- Dental Sealants
- Fluoride Treatments
- Nightguards for Bruxism
Your child has nothing to fear when they visit their local dentist. Schedule an appointment with them today to learn more!
About the Author
Dr. Paul Miller earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the VCU School of Dentistry. His practice puts a focus on care specifically for your child, including family dentistry and pediatric dental care. With two children of his own, he understands the importance of good oral health at an early age. To learn more about pediatric treatments his practice offers, contact him at (434) 324-8241 or visit his website.