As a parent, you have a lot to do to take care of your children. No matter what their ages, children require time, energy and investment. But the smiles on those little faces make the effort all worthwhile. Speaking of smiles, have you scheduled an appointment with the children’s dentist in DuPont? We are here to help you make sure your children grow up with a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile. Read on to learn more about the importance of oral health care from a young age.
When Should My Child First See the Dentist?
According to The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your children should see a dentist by the time they are one year old or within six months of when their first tooth appears. Why the rush? After all, baby teeth are destined to fall out, you might think.
That is true, but in the meantime baby or primary teeth are very important. Those small pearly whites allow your kids to chew a variety of healthy foods and speak clearly. Additionally, baby teeth reserve space for permanent teeth. The sooner your family dentist in DuPont sees your children, the better in order to spot any problems early.
What Happens at Your Child’s Dental Checkup?
At your child’s first dental checkup, we count the number of teeth he or she has and check to make sure their smile and bite are developing appropriately. We will also talk to you about how best to care for your child’s teeth and what milestones to expect as more teeth erupt over the course of childhood.
As your children grow, their dental checkups will become much like your own. We will still count their teeth while also providing a thorough dental cleaning. Our team will examine each tooth for cavities, look for signs of gum disease and take annual digital X-rays. When the time is right, we’ll be ready to make a recommendation for orthodontic care if necessary.
What Else Does Your Children’s Dentist in DuPont Do for Young Smiles?
In addition to a dental cleaning and exam, your dentist may recommend dental sealants and fluoride treatments. These services go a long way toward helping your children fight the battle against tooth decay.
Dental sealants are applied to the biting surfaces of children’s molars. Sealants go on as a liquid and are then quickly dried with a special curing light. Once hardened, dental sealants are a barrier between teeth and the bacteria that can lead to cavities.
Fluoride treatments help to strengthen the enamel, which is the first line of defense against cavities. Immediately after cleaning, fluoride gel is applied to the teeth and left on for a minute before being rinsed away.
Don’t wait to take care of your children’s smiles. Make an appointment today to see your children’s dentist in DuPont.
Meet the Doctor
At Dupont Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing all of the services our patients need to have a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile. Our services include preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry, as well as sleep apnea therapy, periodontal therapy and emergency dentistry.