Taking care of your mouth is essential for maintaining your oral health and preventing serious oral health conditions. The same habits essential for your oral health are also important for your child. In addition to brushing and flossing their teeth every day, your child also requires regular professional care to prevent issues from developing. The Dentists at North Cypress can help with dental services for kids.
Just like you, your child should have their mouth cleaned and examined every six months. It is recommended that your child have their very first dental appointment six months following the eruption of their first baby tooth or no later than their first birthday. Cleanings allow us to remove all buildup from the surfaces of their teeth, which aids in preventing cavities and other serious oral health issues. Exams allow us to check their teeth and gums for signs of issues. If issues are spotted, your child can then be provided with immediate treatment, preventing more serious issues from developing later.
Children are often more prone to cavities than adults. There are a few ways in which we can help to provide them with additional protection. These measures include fluoride treatments and sealants. Fluoride treatments are a quick, painless process in which we paint a fluoride gel on the surfaces of their teeth. The fluoride absorbs directly into the tooth enamel and goes to work strengthening the teeth so that they can more effectively fight off acid attacks.
Sealants are a synthetic application that is used to protect the chewing surfaces of the molars. This treatment helps to seal the deep grooves and crevices on these surfaces, preventing food particles and bacteria from getting trapped. With sealants, your child is also able to more effectively clean their molars.
It is recommended that children have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. This evaluation is designed to determine the presence of orthodontic issues or predict the likelihood of orthodontic issues developing. During an orthodontic evaluation, we assess the bite and look at the alignment of the teeth. X-rays are also taken. These images allow us to see the developing adult teeth as well as monitor the development of the jawbone. By spotting orthodontic issues early, we can make a treatment plan to ensure proper development and alignment of the teeth and jaws, ensuring a healthy, beautiful smile for your child.
It is normal for children to be a little scared of the dentist. We do everything that we can to create a calm, comforting environment to make the experience pleasant for your child. This includes lap exams for younger patients. We speak to children in a comforting tone and show our tools before we use them.
There are also a few things that you can do at home to prepare your child for their appointment. Let your child know about the appointment ahead of time. Read books about going to the dentist. These books are designed to help your child understand what will happen and make the process seem less daunting. You can also play dentist at home. Use a toothbrush to count their teeth and let your child examine your mouth. If your child is still nervous, you can always give us a call for additional help.
Regular dental care is just as important for your child as it is for you. For more information, and to schedule an appointment for your child, call The Dentists at North Cypress today at (281) 664-8100.