We often urge adults to see us for regular checkups and cleanings, which keep tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious concerns at bay. But what about kids? Just like their parents, children of all ages, even babies, benefit from preventive care. When should families in Omaha, NE, first begin bringing their children in to see the dentist?
First Visits
The first visit should happen around age one, when the initial baby tooth erupts. During this visit, we will get to know you and your child, and perform an exam to ensure the teeth are erupting properly. We will then talk about routine visits down the road. At around age two, kids benefit from checkups and cleanings every six months, which enables us to monitor smiles as they grow and develop.
Checkups and Cleanings
The checkup allows our team to watch for signs of tooth decay, gingivitis, or developing misalignment. The earlier we identify and diagnose a problem, the sooner we can offer treatment. Remember, cavities in baby teeth still need treatment, as months or years could pass before the effected teeth fall out on their own, which means time for an infection to occur or premature tooth loss to take place, increasing the risk of misalignment. Our team also cleans the teeth, which involves removing plaque buildup from the surface of the smile. Plaque not only weakens tooth enamel, but can also inflame the gum tissue, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. kids also enjoy fresher breath and brighter smiles following a dental cleaning!
Preventive Treatment Options
If we find your little one’s smile exhibits high risk factors for tooth decay, we may discuss preventive treatments to safeguard their smiles. For example, we apply fluoride to the teeth in a varnish form. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, one that strengthens outer tooth enamel to help prevent cavities. Application only takes a few minutes.
We may also suggest dental sealants. We place a special acrylic coating to the hard-to-reach rear teeth. The sealant prevents food from becoming stuck between these teeth, limiting the risk of cavities. The sealants take minutes to apply and wear away naturally with time. These options help protect smiles from the risk of cavities. If you have any questions about children’s dentistry, or if you want to schedule a visit for your little one, then contact our team today.
Pacific Hills Dental Offers Children’s Dentistry
At Pacific Hills Dental, our team wants to help your kids enjoy healthy and beautiful smiles for years to come and instill good dental habits. To schedule a visit for your children, call our Omaha, NE, dental office today at (402) 330-2243. We proudly treat individuals in Omaha, NE, and all of the surrounding areas, including Papillion, La Vista, and Millard.
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