Port lavaca Children’s Dentistry
Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist
The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. We may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination. You may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.
We will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken (to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child’s permanent teeth under the gums). We may clean your child’s teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most important of all, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth.
What Is The Difference Between a Dentist and a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dentistry, or dental care for children, requires extra training and specialized knowledge. A pediatric dentist is specially trained to work specifically with children and their unique dental needs and development.
Pediatric dentists are experts in kid-friendly techniques that can help to make dental visits less stressful for kids. They also focus on making sure that children feel supported and listened to during visits, which helps them to connect with their oral health care providers.
Ultimately, a pediatric dentist is the best choice for anyone looking for excellent dental care for young patients.
Whether you need routine cleanings or more complex procedures, contact our Port Lavaca Pediatric Dentist to provide the best possible care for your child's unique smile!
What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?
We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. Your child’s reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.
Here are some “First Visit” Tips:
- Take your child for a “preview” of the office.
- Read books with them about going to the dentist.
- Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit.
- Speak positively about your own dental experiences.
During your first visit the dentist will:
- Examine your mouth, teeth and gums.
- Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking.
- Check to see if you need fluoride.
- Teach you about cleaning your teeth and gums.
- Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.
What about Preventative Care?
Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand in hand. At our office we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest in dental sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Dental sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health.
Local Port Lavaca Pediatric Dentist Here For You
Going to the dentist can be a scary and nerve-wracking experience for both kids and adults, especially if you are not used to it. Luckily, Pediatric dentist specialists are here to help children get the best possible care. These specialized dentists have a kid-friendly approach and make sure that every visit is fun, gentle, and easy.
With years of experience working with children and pediatric dentistry, our experts truly understand what it takes to make kids feel at ease in the dentist's chair.
They utilize top-of-the-line tools and techniques that are specifically designed to cater to young patients. And best of all, they take the time to carefully explain each step of the process so that kids feel informed and in control throughout their visit.
So if you or your child is looking for a Pediatric dentist who will deliver outstanding results with a compassionate and friendly experience, look no further than our local Port Lavaca Pediatric dentist specialists!
Cavity Prevention
Most of the time cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing. Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly, of course, can help. The longer it takes your child to chew their food and the longer the residue stays on their teeth, the greater the chances of getting cavities.
Every time someone eats, an acid reaction occurs inside their mouth as the bacteria digests the sugars. This reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes. During this time the acid environment can destroy the tooth structure, eventually leading to cavities.
Consistency of a person’s saliva also makes a difference; thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. When a person eats diets high in carbohydrates and sugars they tend to have thicker saliva, which in turn allows more of the acid-producing bacteria that can cause cavities.
The first baby teeth that come into the mouth are the two bottom front teeth. You will notice this when your baby is about 6-8 months old. Next to follow will be the 4 upper front teeth and the remainder of your baby’s teeth will appear periodically. They will usually appear in pairs along the sides of the jaw until the child is about 2 1/2 years old.
At around 2 1/2 years old your child should have all 20 teeth. Between the ages of 5 and 6 the first permanent teeth will begin to erupt. Some of the permanent teeth replace baby teeth and some don’t. Don’t worry if some teeth are a few months early or late as all children are different.
Tips for Cavity Prevention
- Limit frequency of meals and snacks.
- Encourage brushing, flossing and rinsing.
- Watch what your child drinks.
- Avoid giving your child sticky foods.
- Make treats part of meals.
- Choose nutritious snacks.
Baby teeth are important as they not only hold space for permanent teeth but they are important to chewing, biting, speech and appearance. For this reason it is important to maintain a healthy diet and daily hygiene.
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- Lyric B.
"Everyone at SMILE EXPERTS is amazing!! I love the ladies there, they are so sweet and the Dr. is super gentle and explains everything."
