Seeing a family dentist at least two times a year is one of the main ways to keep teeth healthy and gums in good condition. Every six months, the dentist can check to ensure there are no signs of gum disease, cavities, tooth decay, or other implications of compromised oral health. For parents, it is important to understand when children can attend an initial cleaning to ensure teeth are coming in properly and how to prepare them for the appointment.
Children can usually see a dentist as soon as baby teeth have emerged. Family dentists often focus on patients of all ages, and parents can ask a dentist about the right time to bring children in for a first visit. Discussing the visit can give parents a guide on what to expect and determine if a child is ready to see a dentist.
Dental offices have a reputation for causing stress and anxiety in patients, especially children. Fortunately, children who see the dentist sooner in life are more likely to feel comfortable around a dentist, especially one they have an established relationship with. To prepare for that first appointment, parents should bring children along to their dental cleanings so that children can observe and experience it with a familiar figure. Reading books about going to the dentist and talking about what to expect can help familiarize children with dental visits as well.
Parents may be asked to sit with a child in the dental chair or to wait in the reception room while the child and dentist become acquainted. During the visit, the dentist will gently check the child’s mouth, including the teeth and gums. A dentist may look for signs of inadequate amounts of fluoride (which contribute to teeth whiteness), decay from sugary or carbohydrate foods, and other problems, such as tooth movement from thumb sucking. The entire appointment should not last long since most young children can only sit still for short periods of time. At the end of the visit, the dentist may demonstrate how to properly brush and tell children why it is important to maintain good oral hygiene.
Cavities are the most common issue dentists encounter with children, usually because of the consumption of sugary foods and drinks. A dentist may advise parents to monitor a child’s diet and limit the amount of sugar a child is permitted to eat. Showing and encouraging children to brush is also essential in preventing cavities.
After the first visit, the dentist will suggest that another appointment be scheduled six months later. Unless otherwise directed, children can follow the same schedule as adults by visiting the dentist twice a year.
Seeing a family dentist biannually is one part of the strategy for preventing poor oral health. Regular appointments, along with keeping up on brushing and flossing, can establish good habits in children that can be used throughout life.
Request an appointment here: https://wholelifedentalsc.com or call Whole Life Dental at (864) 626-6322 for an appointment in our Greenwood office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Greenwood, SC.
Preventive dentistry can support your efforts to keep your mouth healthy, including practicing good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding things that can damage your teeth and gums. Good oral hygiene goes a long way in helping to prevent common dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease, but sometimes it is…
Dental crowns are restorations that can help repair and reinforce your teeth. You may be thinking about getting long-term dental aesthetic enhancement and protection. If you are, you may want to consider getting dental crowns. There are myriad materials available for this type of restoration. Regardless of the number of crowns you want for your…
Dentists use root canals to save teeth that are badly infected. Sometimes, due to damage or decay, the inner part of the tooth becomes infected. However, the tooth may not have to be pulled, thanks to the root canal procedure. This article takes a closer look at this common treatment and three main signs you…
Getting a dental filling is a helpful treatment method. It can restore the tooth’s optimal health. The right dental filling can seal the cavity and prevent the infection from advancing. If you want to know the steps involved in a dental filling procedure, here are the details.The dentist will perform a visual inspection of the…