Cavities can develop in children's teeth as soon as they erupt. This can start as early as three months, but most children will get that first tooth around six months of age. Therefore, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting regular dental checkups for kids within six months of the eruption of the first tooth or by their first birthday. This way, parents and their child's dentist can work together to ensure baby teeth stay as healthy as possible.
Chewing is the first step in healthy digestion. Therefore, baby teeth are essential to children getting the nutrition they need from their diet. In addition, baby teeth can impact a child's speech as they learn to talk.
Baby teeth hold space and pave the way for the correct eruption of permanent teeth. Premature loss of baby teeth can cause the adult smile to come in crooked. Also, decaying baby teeth can be painful for children and harm their gum health, further causing issues with permanent teeth.
Not only can pediatric dentists educate parents on proper dental care for their children, but also they can recommend treatments to give children's teeth additional protection. Tooth decay is a leading health problem among children. Therefore, your child's dentist will likely recommend the following treatments for your child's teeth:
A pediatric dentist recommends these about twice a year. This allows the dentist to thoroughly clean the child's teeth and catch cavities early when they are easier to treat. These are also great opportunities to educate kids on dental health and hygiene.
Because children are extra prone to cavities, it helps to give them extra protection. Fluoride is a substance known to harden tooth enamel. Therefore, a pediatric dentist may suggest painting a child's teeth with a fluoride varnish so tooth enamel is stronger and less likely to decay.
The molars of children's baby and adult teeth tend to have deep grooves where bacteria and plaque can collect and lead to cavities. Fortunately, a pediatric dentist can coat the tops of these molars and premolars with a plastic-like sealant material. This material is hardened with a special light, forming a barrier to keep plaque and bacteria out.
In addition to following the recommendations of a pediatric dentist, parents can help ensure their children practice good oral hygiene at home. Also, parents should encourage their children to avoid processed sugar and drink adequate water. Parents should wipe their gums with a clean washcloth or gauze pad after feedings when caring for infants.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup for Kids in Richmond, TX
Baby teeth help determine your child's oral health, and protecting them is important. Our pediatric dental team can advise parents on how to best care for their children's teeth. To learn more about dental checkups for kids and protecting children's baby teeth, call us today.
Request an appointment or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at 832-579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
A kids dentist is experienced in solving many of the problems that are common in children or even unique to their developing dentition. Pediatric dental issues are typically due to kids’ developing oral healthcare habits and sugary diets. If your child is experiencing a dental problem or if you want to start them out on…
Finding the right kids dentist is a critical decision for parents. Pediatric dental care plays a vital role in a child’s overall health, and selecting a provider who meets a child's specific needs can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy habits. Understanding the qualifications and approach of a kids dentist will help parents…
A kids dentist, formally known as a pediatric dentist, helps set the foundation for kids oral health. While they are a pillar in setting the trajectory of a young patient's relationship with their oral hygiene and dental visits, they primarily focus on preserving the integrity of the teeth and surrounding structures. Through various methods, a…
Kids dental crowns are caps that cover and replace natural tooth structures to restore their…
A sedation dentist can help make dental restorations, such as dental crown placement, a calm…
Kids dental crowns can restore decayed and damaged teeth, even when fillings are not an…
Kids dental crowns can treat many dental issues, including cavities that are too large for…
When a child’s tooth becomes damaged or severely decayed, a pediatric dentist may recommend a…
Pediatric dental fillings can restore front teeth affected by cavities or minor damage while preserving…
