When Should You Schedule Your Child's First Dental Appointment?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), you should schedule your little one's first dental visit when the first tooth emerges and no later than their first birthday. From that point on, most children require twice-a-year dental exams and cleanings to maintain healthy smiles.
But why start so young? Caring for your child's baby teeth from the start provides lifelong benefits. Those tiny pearly whites maintain the space needed for the adult teeth to come into the correct position. They also play a role in speech development and help your child chew with ease. If a child loses a tooth too early, the adjacent teeth may shift out of alignment, resulting in crooked teeth, a crowded mouth, and problems with the bite. That usually results in the need for orthodontic treatments down the road.
What Should You Expect During Your Child's Dental Visit?
Our caring dentist will start by reviewing your child's medical history and discussing any concerns. Your little one's visit will include the following:
Dental Exam: We will evaluate every aspect of your child's oral health. We will take dental x-rays, if necessary, to capture detailed images of specific areas. Pediatric dental exams allow us to identify dental problems early on when easiest to treat.
Dental Cleaning: We will gently and carefully remove any plaque or tartar buildup and will clean those hard-to-reach areas of your child's mouth. We work with you to develop a dental health care routine to set the stage for long-term oral health.
What Happens Next?
We will discuss your child's oral health with you and create a comprehensive treatment plan to address any immediate needs and preventive procedures needed to help keep your child's smile clean and healthy. That may include the following:
Dental Fillings and Crowns: If your child has cavities, we may recommend repair using a filling or crown, depending on the extent of the damage.
Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride, known as "nature's cavity fighter," strengthens your child's tooth enamel, making it resistant to acid attacks, which helps prevent tooth decay and cavities.
Dental Sealants: Sealants are clear, protective coatings we place on the chewing surfaces of your child's premolars and molars to seal off any pits, grooves, or crevices, which helps keep tooth decay and cavities at bay.
Healthy Habits for Long-Term Healthy Smiles
Encourage your child to brush and floss regularly to keep tooth decay and cavities at bay. Keep in mind that consuming a healthy, balanced diet will provide your child's growing teeth with the nutrition they need to stay strong and healthy. Establishing a proper oral hygiene routine from a young age will set the stage for lifelong oral health.
Teeth Whitening Near Me in Mesa, AZ
Not everything you see on social media is good for your smile - some trends and risky DIY solutions can be ineffective and occasionally harmful to your smile. Contact Lake Vista Dentistry to learn more about our safe and effective teeth whitening solutions and to get on track to a brighter, more dazzling smile.
Call 480-832-3400 or visit us online to schedule your appointment today!
Why Choose Lake Vista Dentistry?
At Lake Vista Dentistry, we believe in more than caring for your smile. We are dedicated to treating the whole person. As a patient-centered practice, we strive to elevate the dental experience, providing our patients with positive experiences they'll enjoy again and again. Our integrated psychology training helps address dental phobia and anxiety rooted in past traumatic dental experiences, helping build positive associations with the dentist.
Our team at Lake Vista Dentistry strives to create a warm and caring environment where you can always expect exceptional care. Our cutting-edge technology, modern techniques, sedation dentistry options, and gentle approach help even the most anxious patients relax in the dentist's chair. At Lake Vista Dentistry, your comfort and well-being are always at the forefront of everything we do.
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