Patients of all ages should be visiting the dentist twice a year for a dental checkup. This includes young children, too. If it’s been a while since you last brought your child in for a cleaning or examination, or it’s time for them to come in for their very first visit, the team at Park Dental Arts in San Diego, CA, is here to create a welcoming environment for your little one.
Your Child’s First Dentist Appointment
While the time may seem quite young, your child’s very first dental checkup should take place around the age of one year old, or when their first tooth erupts. This initial visit provides an opportunity to get your child comfortable with this routine and ensure their oral hygiene is in excellent health. During this first visit, their dentist will carefully examine their teeth and gums to make sure everything is developing properly. This is also a good time for you, as the parent, to ask any questions you may have about taking care of your child’s smile. If you have questions about proper brushing or developmental stages, your dentist may be able to answer them. Visiting the dentist can often be stressful for young patients, so by starting early and finding a team that understands the needs of your child, the chances of dental-related anxiety may be reduced.
Safeguarding Them From Cavities & More
Cavities are a common issue for patients of all ages, but especially for younger patients since they tend to have diets high in sugar and may struggle with brushing and flossing on their own. By bringing your child in for dental visits every six months, decay can be prevented with the help of professional cleanings and can also be detected in earlier stages. If necessary, you can use additional treatments like fluoride treatments or sealants to reduce the risk of cavities.
Restorative Treatments
It’s likely that your child will have at least one cavity during their childhood. When this happens, don’t panic—this can happen to patients even with a flawless oral hygiene routine. If your little one does have a cavity, their dentist will likely recommend that they come in for a dental filling as soon as possible. Removing the damaged part of the tooth and adding a composite resin material in its place can prevent the decay from worsening and protect the tooth from more significant damage. Other restorative treatments can include dental crowns for injuries like cracks or wear and tear and root canals if your child has experienced a severely damaged tooth.
Schedule Your Family’s Next Checkup With Us
Like you, your kids need dental cleaning and examination twice a year. You can schedule your next one with the team at Park Dental Arts in San Diego, CA, at (619) 544-1745.
