This specialized type of dentistry is designed to treat kids like kids, instead of adults. By using smaller instruments and chairs Plumb Dental can help children feel more at ease.
It is good idea to begin taking a child for an examination as soon as their first teeth begin to appear inside their mouth to determine if there are any congenital or developmental problems in the oral cavity or facial area.
A children’s dentist understands how to welcome infants and toddlers to minimize fear and temper tantrums. In most cases, toddlers and infants do not require any type of procedures, but a hygienist might offer tips about better nutrition or brushing and flossing primary teeth.
We recommend regular visits once the child turns 18 months. These first visits are called “happy visits” and are complimentary. Happy visits are critical in helping your child become comfortable at the dentist. Cleanings will begin around 3 years of age.
When your kids are three years old, the hygienist will begin to remove plaque that develops on teeth along the gum tissue. A hygienist uses gentle motions to scrape away the hardened debris from food and beverages that can lead to infections in gum tissue or teeth roots. Your child receives a thorough examination that includes:
As a parent, it may be possible to sit in the examination chair while holding an infant and toddler to keep the child comfortable as Dr. Plumb looks at oral tissues. This process is a helpful way to allay a child’s fears at a young age to prepare them for a more extensive examination as they get older. For many toddlers, the examination room is interesting because it has numerous pieces of equipment and tools. Your child will probably think it is fun to look at X-rays of their own teeth or facial bones, and a skilled hygienist can make examinations interesting rather than routine.
A child who has examinations of their teeth and gums is more likely to have healthy oral tissues throughout a lifetime because they learn good habits at a young age. Parents also learn valuable information such as not giving an infant a bottle filled with juice or milk while sleeping to prevent caries and gingivitis. In addition, parents learn about the dangers of giving an older child a pacifier or permitting thumb-sucking because it can cause teeth to shift into incorrect positions inside their mouths.
Parents should continue to bring their kids to a pediatric dentist throughout their childhood and adolescent years to provide routine dental cleanings and preventative treatments. Depending on the condition of your child’s teeth, they might require sealants or fluoride rinses to protect the enamel on their teeth. When a child begins to engage in sports, a parent should request a customized guard for their child’s mouth to protect teeth and gums from injuries.
