Children are remarkable creatures. Within the first few months of life, their bodies and their minds begin to develop at quite a rapid pace. It’s important to take the proper steps to ensure that your child’s health – especially their oral health – is well looked after so that issues don’t arise in the future. Visiting a children’s dentist in Irvine is a great way to do just that.
For more information about this, talk to a pediatric dentist near you today! Our local dental clinic is here to help.
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that specifically deals with diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral health conditions in children and young adults. It’s recommended that you bring in your child to see an Irvine children’s dentist when their first tooth comes in. Their dentist will be able to inform you as a parent about a variety of things including, but not limited to:
- Teething.
- Pacifier habits.
- Finger-sucking.
- Infant feeding habits.
- Tooth decay may arise from baby bottle usage.
- Keeping their mouth clean.
To learn more, or if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our children’s dentist near you. They’ll be happy to help you and your child with all your dental needs.
Scheduling morning appointments can be a great option for your child, as they’ll be more alert and cooperative with the dentist. Always be sure to explain to them the significance of receiving a dental checkup and cleaning. Being honest with them and staying calm will help them avoid feelings of anxiousness and fear. Your child’s age can certainly influence their behaviour in the dentist’s chair. The older they are, the more relaxed they will be.
During their very first visit, their pediatric dentist in Irvine will introduce themselves and make them feel welcome. Their checkup should only last thirty to forty-five minutes at the most. The dentist will evaluate their teeth, gums, jaw, their bite, and gently clean their mouth. They’ll be walked through how to brush and floss their teeth. Regarding x-rays, since baby teeth fall out, they aren’t usually done until their mature teeth come in.
Just as adults should see a dentist approximately every six months, so should children. Although your Irvine pediatric dentist may suggest coming in every three or four months depending on the state of your child’s oral health and the rate at which their bodies are growing.
Tips to Help Protect Your Child’s Teeth
There are things you can do to help your child maintain good oral hygiene when at home. This includes:
- Cleaning their gums with a damp cloth before their baby teeth start to emerge.
- Provide them with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Use a small amount of toothpaste when they have their first few teeth.
- Don’t give your child a bottle with sweetened liquids like milk or juice before they sleep. This will help prevent baby bottle tooth decay.
- Limit how long they use a bottle.
Limit the sugary foods they consume.
Are you looking for child dentistry services near you? Our Irvine Orthodontics Clinic is here to assist you and your child in any way we can. Call or visit our website to get started. We look forward to working with your family!