As a parent, one of the most important things is the health of your child. In addition to their physical health and well-being, their dental health is also essential. A good oral hygiene routine is necessary to help your child keep their mouth clean and healthy. This routine should also include professional dental care. Advanced Dental Associates can help you and your child ensure that their mouth remains healthy and develops properly with family dentistry services in San Antonio, TX.
The Importance of Early Childhood Dental Visits
Many parents are unaware that their child should be seen by a dentist by their first birthday and should be seen every six months. These early visits are essential. They can help prevent the development of cavities in your child’s teeth and help you care for your child’s mouth properly. With these visits, we can help ensure that your child’s baby and adult teeth develop properly and remain cavity free, helping to prevent serious oral health problems and the need for invasive dental work.
Family Dentistry in San Antonio, TX
We offer preventative services for children. This includes routine cleanings and exams, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. Preventive care is meant to help keep young teeth healthy and free from cavities. Restorative services allow us to help restore your child’s oral health if an issue does arise. Restorative treatments may include fillings, crowns, or pulpotomies. If your child loses a baby tooth prematurely, we can also provide a space maintainer, which will help to ensure that the space is saved for the developing adult tooth underneath.
Many children also require orthodontic treatment. While this is commonly in the form of braces, other orthodontic treatments may be provided, including early orthodontics. With early treatments like palatal expanders, we can help to ensure that your child’s mouth grows and develops appropriately, reducing the need for later orthodontic care.
How can I help my child maintain a healthy mouth at home?
Good oral care for your child starts at home and begins early. Even before any teeth appear, it is recommended that you use a damp washcloth to clean your baby’s gums after each feeding. When the first teeth appear, you should switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure that you are using a small toothbrush designed for children.
You can teach your child how to brush their teeth as they grow. Additionally, you can go over their teeth to clean areas they may have missed after they finish. Around the age of 5 or 6, your child may be able to begin brushing independently, but you should still monitor them to ensure that they continue to brush correctly. If your child is resistant to brushing, you can help to encourage them by brushing with them, reading books, or playing music.
Why Baby Teeth Matter
One of the biggest questions parents have is why their baby’s teeth need proper care if they are going to fall out anyway. The baby teeth are essential and need good care to function properly. These teeth not only help your child to eat but also to develop proper speech. They also act as space holders for the adult teeth. If an issue, such as an infection, develops in the baby tooth, it can affect the developing adult tooth underneath. Proper oral care isn’t just about protecting the baby teeth. It is also about protecting the health of your child’s whole mouth.
Get Dental Care for The Whole Family
Schedule an appointment if you have questions about your child’s dental health. You can also call Advanced Dental Associates at (210) 655-2753 today.