Dentistry for Kids in San Antonio, TX 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 important. To help your child keep their mouth clean and healthy, a good oral hygiene routine is a must. This routine should also include professional dental care. Advanced Dental Associates can help you, and your child, to ensure that their mouth remains healthy and develops properly.The Importance of Early Childhood Dental VisitsMany parents are unaware that their child should be seen by a dentist by their first birthday, and should be seen every six months, just older children and adults. These early visits are essential. They can help you to prevent the development of cavities in your child’s teeth and help you to care for your child’s mouth properly. With these visits, we can help to ensure that your child’s baby teeth, and their adult teeth, develop properly and remain cavity free, helping to prevent serious oral health problems and the need for invasive dental work. Professional Services for ChildrenWe offer preventative services for children. This includes routine cleanings and exams, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. Preventative 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, 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 such as palatal expanders, we can help to ensure that your child’s mouth grows and develops properly, 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 it starts 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 begin to appear, you should then switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure that you are using a small toothbrush designed for children. As your child grows, you can teach them how to brush their teeth. It would help if you still went over their teeth after they are finished to help get any areas they might miss. 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 properly. If your child is resistant to brushing, you can help to encourage by brushing with them, reading books, or playing music. Why Baby Teeth MatterOne of the biggest questions that parents have is why the baby teeth need proper care if they are just going to fall out anyway. The baby teeth are very important and need proper 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. If you have any questions about the dental health of your child or need to schedule an appointment, call Advanced Dental Associates at (210) 714-5589 today. |
Advanced Dental Associates
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