5 Things You Need to Know About your Child’s Dental Checkups

As a parent, you most likely bring your child to their pediatrician once a year for regular exams and vaccinations. However, many parents do not place this same emphasis on their child’s oral health. Considering the health of their mouth, teeth, and gums is also important and understanding the need for regular visits to your kid’s dentist is smart.
 

Scheduling Dental Exams

To ensure your child receives proper care, consider staying on the right pediatric dentistry schedule. Although each child is different, your child should have their first dental visit when their first tooth develops. If they still have not developed their first tooth after turning one year of age, schedule a complete dental exam.

For ongoing dental care, bring your child to a kid’s dentist twice a year for cleanings and general exams.
 

Visiting the Right Dentist

You should also understand the differences between a family dentist and pediatric dentistry professional. A pediatric dentist will offer your child the best care, since they have specialty education and training in treating children. In most cases, pediatric dentists have an additional 2 to 3 years of specialized education that centers on treating infants to teenagers.
 

Dental Checkup Process

During your child’s regular dental checkup, the dentist will conduct a thorough exam and a series of x-rays to determine how well their teeth are developing. Advice on treatments will be given, if necessary. A hygienist will also perform a detailed cleaning while educating you and your child on proper dental care.
 

Home Care

While bringing your child to the dentist on a regular schedule is smart for their oral health, proper care at home is just as important.

During your child’s checkups, the dentist will discuss the correct ways to brush, floss, and rinse to achieve healthy, appealing teeth. Brushing twice a day, for two minutes at a time, and flossing each night are essential rules for your child to follow.
 

Further Treatment is Possible

Many pediatric dentists recommend an orthodontic consultation. This may be surprising to you, but visiting an orthodontist early can prevent further developmental issues. Children who receive orthodontic care at an earlier age are able to improve their smile and their bite alignment in a more effective manner.

Your child deserves a healthy, appealing smile, so consult our team at Fort Worth Children’s Dentistry to learn more about proper oral health.