Dental Exam for Children

The right time for children to visit a kid friendly dentist may be sooner than you think. In fact, the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children should go to the dentist by the age of one. This is about six months after the first tooth. There are several reasons why this is important.

Why children should see the dentist

There are several reasons why children should see a kid friendly dentist. The most important reason is that the dentist will be able to help keep the child’s primary teeth healthy and in place. These teeth have a variety of functions before they are lost:

• The teeth help with a child’s speech development
• The teeth help make room for permanent teeth
• The teeth help children chew properly to get the foods they need to eat
• The teeth help children have smiles that they are confident in

Children’s primary teeth also help children learn more about brushing, flossing, and other oral hygiene tasks. A kid friendly dentist can help a child learn the right techniques to maintain proper oral hygiene. Taking a child to a dentist at a young age allows the child to get used to the idea of going to the dentist.

Preparing a child for a dental exam

A parent can prepare a child for a dental exam by allowing the child to watch the parent’s own dental exam. The child will be able to see that there is nothing to be afraid of. Allowing the child to be well-rested before the exam will help the child feel more relaxed.

The exam

During the exam, a kid friendly dentist may have the parent hold a very young child on the lap. This will help the child feel calmer. The dentist will gently clean the child’s teeth and examine both the teeth and the mouth to ensure it is healthy. The dentist will also determine how much fluoride the child is getting. The dentist may recommend a fluoride supplement or topical so the child’s teeth will be strong. Finally, the child’s use of a pacifier or thumb-sucking will be evaluated.

For older children and adolescents, the dentist will examine the mouth, oral hygiene and the child’s eating and drinking habits. The dentist will also clean and floss the teeth. In some cases, X-rays will be taken to detect cavities or other oral problems. If necessary, the dentist may recommend early orthodontic treatment for the child.

For younger children, the dentist may examine the effects of thumb-sucking, nail-biting or clenching of the jaw. The dentist may talk to older children about the impact of sugary foods and beverages on the teeth. If any of the teeth are susceptible to decay, the dentist may apply a protective coating, called a sealant.

Visit a kid friendly dentist

A dentist can help keep a child’s primary teeth healthy. The dentist can recommend early orthodontic treatment. The professional can also teach proper oral hygiene. Getting your child used to going to the dentist now can help pave the way for a healthy smile for years to come.

Request an appointment here: https://urbanafamily.com or call Urbana Family Dental Care at (301) 605-1157 for an appointment in our Ijamsville office.

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