Dentistry for Kids The earlier children start going for regular dental check-ups and cleanings, the better. They will learn proper tooth care with proper brushing and flossing techniques. These habits they learn will be remembered in later years. Their oral health will be much greater throughout their lives than those who do not start going to the dentist until much later in life. It helps prevent the obvious such as cavities and tooth decay, but it can also help avoid the not so obvious such as unnecessary pain from tooth and gum problems, along with other more serious medical problems. Regular dental care has been known to even help children concentrate better, both at school and at home.We would be more than happy at Viva Smiles Family Dental to provide your child with a relaxed and comfortable exam and professional cleaning. We pride ourselves on our pediatric dentistry team. Call now to get an appointment scheduled. When Should I Start Taking my Child to the Dentist?The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend taking your child for a tooth wellness check and first dental exam before they turn one year old. While this might seem early to some parents, it actually begins the education for both the child and the parent on how to care for their teeth. As mentioned, these learned behaviors will not only benefit them now, but later on in life as well. If there is decay present, our staff will talk to the parent about not letting their child fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth, which can cause a greater rate of decay. Our staff will also explain the importance of getting a child nearing the age of one to start using a cup rather than a bottle, to avoid this complication. Our team will also talk about how to take care of a child's teeth by explaining dietary concerns like avoiding acidic beverages, such as sodas and candy which might stick to dental work. We will also talk about avoiding hard foods like ice or hard candy. All of these things, if followed by the parent and the child, will benefit the child's teeth in the long run. Why Should I Take my Child to the Dentist?Do you know what the most commonly occurring, chronic disease is for children in the United States? You might be surprised to hear it is tooth decay. Unlike some other diseases affecting children like diabetes or cancer, tooth decay can easily be avoided. According to statistics, over 40 percent of all children will experience tooth decay before reaching kindergarten. Almost 60 percent of elementary-age children suffer from tooth decay, with one in five having cavities in a minimum of seven teeth, according to the American Dental Association. The sad thing is tooth decay is largely preventable. With proper brushing and flossing, along with regularly scheduled professional cleanings at our office, children do not need to develop cavities or go through the process of having cavities filled. Let us take care of your child's dental needs at Viva Smiles Family Dental. Give us a call at (512) 863-9555 to schedule your child's office visit or to answer any questions you may have. |
