A child’s first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable. Children are not born with a natural fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. Our office makes a special effort to use pleasant, non-frightening language to describe each treatment. When searching for general dental services in Texas, Wambaugh Dental can help make the experience of going to the dentist enjoyable for the whole family.
We treat our young patients with the utmost respect and gentleness. Our goal is to provide quality dental care in a fun, relaxed environment. We understand that children are not small adults and their dentistry needs are unique.
We want you and your child to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel. If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist, please reach out to Wambaugh Dental today by calling 281.501.7849. We can make the experience fun and enjoyable for the whole family.
Pediatric Dentistry: When Should Your Child Begin Seeing a Dentist?
It would be best if you took your child to the dentist when their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. This visit allows the dentist to assess your child’s oral health and development and gives you the opportunity to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have.
Your child’s newly-erupted teeth (erupting at six and 12 months of age) must receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.
Baby Teeth Require a Dedicated Dentist for Children
Your child’s first primary or baby teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of six and 12 months and will continue to erupt until about age three. During this time, your child’s gums may feel tender and sore. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend you soothe the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. You may also choose to make use of a teething ring. When your child has finished teething, you can expect a total of 20 primary teeth.
Your child’s primary teeth are shed at various times throughout childhood. Permanent teeth begin erupting at age six and continue until age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth (32, including wisdom teeth).
These permanent adult teeth include:
- 8 incisors
- 4 canines
- 8 premolars
- 12 molars, including 4 wisdom teeth
While your child is waiting for their permanent teeth to come in, taking care of their primary teeth is vital. Once a child loses a primary tooth, it will not grow back.
How Can You Begin Encouraging Healthy Oral Health Habits?
As your child’s teeth erupt, be sure to examine them every two weeks, looking for lines and discoloration that may be caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing four times a day for optimal oral hygiene:
- After breakfast
- After lunch
- After dinner
- At bedtime
Brushing can be fun; your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a baby’s tooth erupts, parents should brush the tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For children younger than two, do not use fluoride toothpaste unless advised to do so by your dentist or other healthcare professional. We suggest reviewing proper tooth brushing procedures with your child.
Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits; your doctor will discuss with you the right time to start flossing. If you notice signs of decay, contact your dentist immediately.
How Can You Prevent Dental Decay in Children?
Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into an acid, which can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents do not practice regular, good oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away.
Your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year and cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they “seal” the deep grooves in your child’s teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants can last several years and will be monitored at your child’s regular checkups.
Call Wambaugh Dental
Whether your child is 18 months old or 18 years old, Wambaugh Dental can help. Our team offers a range of treatment options for both children and adults, including:
- Preventative dentistry services
- Gum disease treatment
- Dental imaging services
- Teeth whitening services
To learn more about our pediatric dentistry options, reach out to Wambaugh Dental today at 281.501.7849, or contact us online.