When should dental care begin?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children should begin regular dental care around 12 months of age.
This is in order to:
- Monitor ongoing development
- Prevent and detect dental problems
- Establish a lifelong habit of good oral care
- Build trust with their dentist
Primary, or baby teeth, usually start coming in around between six and eight months of age. For most children, they have a full set of baby teeth by age three. By age six, children start to lose their first set of teeth, and permanent teeth begin to grow into place. Usually, by age 12, a child has a near-complete set of permanent teeth, including molars. Wisdom teeth, the final set of molars, erupt in the late teens or early twenties.
What happens at regular dental visits?
The AAPD suggest two visits a year for children, one visit every six months. During these visits:
- Your child and dentist visit
- X-rays are taken
- Any problem areas or concerns are recorded
- Teeth are cleaned and fluoride applied
- Your child is taught how to brush and floss
- Your child is shown how to improve brushing if needed
- Your child’s dentist updates you on findings
Your child’s dentist talks with you about any concerns or needed treatments, such as repairing cavities or the need for braces. With regular dental visits, the team at Fresh Dental Care can be a valuable part of keeping your child’s teeth and mouth healthy.
What treatment may be needed?
If your child has dental problems, they may need:
- Cavity repair
- Root canal
- Braces
- Crowns, temporary or permanent
- Pulling teeth due to decay or other problems
- Antibiotic therapy for oral infections
If your child has a toothache, it’s important that they see the pediatric dentists at Fresh Dental Care to see what the problem may be. In some cases, treatment may be needed immediately, and in other cases, pain may be a sign that better at-home oral care is needed.
How can I protect my child’s teeth?
As a parent, you can do a lot to protect your child’s oral health. Some valuable habits include:
- Feeding them a healthy diet
- Avoiding sugary drinks
- Avoiding using a sippy cup after a year old
- Flossing your child’s teeth
- Establishing a regular routine for oral care
- Encourage good oral habits, including brushing and flossing
- Regular, twice-yearly visits with the dentist
Taking good care of your own teeth is one of the best ways for them to learn how to care for their teeth throughout their lifetime. Setting a good example can go a long way in protecting their oral health.
For excellent pediatric dental care, call or schedule an appointment online with Fresh Dental Care.
Fresh Dental is located in Houston, TX, and serves the greater Cypress, Katy, Humble, and Porter areas.
