When Do My Children Need To See The Dentist?

When Do My Children Need To See The Dentist?

Most parents don’t think dental appointments are necessary for their young children especially before they have most of their teeth. A lot of people think dental appointments are only needed when cavities develop. At Gray Oak Family Dental they try to educate their patients on the importance of bringing their children in for an appointment before problems occur. 

What Is the Appropriate Age for A Child to Have Their First Pediatric Dental Exam?

At their Sherman Texas office, their dental team recommends their young patients be seen within 6 months of their first baby tooth coming in and before they reach 12 months old. Having a child visit the dentist as soon as their teeth come in allows the dentist to check for decay, jaw problems, or problems with the alignment of their teeth. Seeing the dentist early can help prevent major issues with a child’s teeth.  

What to Expect at a Child’s First Dental Appointment

When a young patient comes to Gray Oak Family Dental for their first appointment, the first thing Dr. Firmage and his team does is make sure the patient is comfortable and at ease. Dr. Firmage knows how scary seeing the dentist for the first time can be. This is why he explains everything he is doing to the patient and their parents to make sure they know exactly what will be occurring. This is done to decrease any nervousness. 

During the first appointment, Dr. Firmage will check the child’s mouth and count each tooth to make sure they are coming in properly. He will also check for any decay or gum problems. Also during this appointment, Dr. Firmage will discuss with the child’s parents what habits they may have formed that could affect their child’s teeth. These include going to bed while drinking a bottle, sucking their thumb, and using a pacifier. He also discusses with the parents proper teeth cleaning. After Dr. Firmage has completed his exam, he will discuss with the parents any issues that he may have noticed and possible treatment.

How to Prevent Problems With a Child’s Teeth

At Gray Oak Family Dental their goal is to help parents prevent problems with their child’s teeth before they occur. Dr. Firmage and his team know the importance of detecting small dental problems before they become major issues. The best way to prevent dental problems is to have a child see the dentist routinely. Regular cleanings and checkups help Dr. Firmage and his team detect problems in their early stages. 

They also know the importance of good at-home dental care and teach each parent how to properly care for their child’s teeth. They discuss how to properly brush the child’s teeth, how many times to brush during the day, and what kind of toothbrush to use. They will also discuss the importance of a proper diet for their child as well as what foods and beverages to avoid. Dr. Firmage recommends each parent avoid giving their child sugary drinks in a bottle or sippy cup. Such drinks over time can lead to decay. 

The team Gray Oak Family Dental wants to be you and your child’s first choice in dental care. Their team is trained in the latest techniques to ensure you and your child have a healthy and beautiful smile. If your child is ready to see the dentist, contact their Sherman Texas office today to schedule an appointment.

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