Dentist for KidsRichmond, TX

Taking your child to the dentist for kids

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends taking your child to a dentist before their first birthday or after their first tooth erupts. These early appointments are crucial since it allows dentists to detect any abnormalities in the development of the child's teeth. These appointments also help familiarize children with the idea of going to a dentist. Instead of getting anxious at the idea, early visits to a kids' dentist show children the dental clinic can be fun.

The first appointment typically involves the baby sitting on a parent's lap while the pediatric dentist performs an oral examination. Records will be taken so the dentist can monitor the development of the child's teeth and bite as they grow.

The AAPD recommends taking children for routine dental checkups at least twice yearly. These appointments also address any damage to the child's teeth. The most common dental issue children deal with is tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by oral bacteria converting sugars in the mouth into acids that damage teeth. These acids destroy teeth structures, causing decay.

While there is a common misconception that issues that affect a child's baby teeth are not significant since they will eventually fall out, baby teeth serve an important role in keeping space for permanent teeth, helping with speech, and guiding the development of facial structures.

Routine appointments allow dentists to evaluate any changes since the child's last visit and perform preventative treatments as needed. Some of the preventative treatments pediatric dentists often perform include:

1. Dental cleanings

Dental cleanings are the most performed preventative treatment used in dentistry. It involves using a scaler to remove plaque and tartar deposits on teeth. Plaque is the sticky film that forms in the mouth after meals. It contains millions of acid-producing bacteria and turns into tartar when left on teeth surfaces for more than 24 hours. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque deposits on teeth, but tartar can only be removed with a scaler.

Dental cleanings are non-invasive, and the process does not cause pain. It can be completed in as little as 45 minutes and protects teeth against tooth decay and gum disease. Dentists recommend getting teeth cleaned at least twice yearly.

2. Dental sealants

Sealants are often recommended for children to protect their molars from decay. Children are not always the best at cleaning their mouths, and teeth in the back of the mouth are often the most neglected. Dental sealants serve as a barrier that prevents acids in the mouth from reaching the pits and grooves of molars.

A particular type of composite resin is typically used for the procedure. It comes as a liquid that is painted on the biting surfaces of the teeth being protected. Ultraviolet light is then used to harden the sealant. It protects teeth from decay for over three years. Sealants can also be topped up as needed to increase the protection.