After the teething process ends, it’s time to learn how to deal with your infant’s new teeth! Early dental care and instruction is the most crucial aspect of your child’s dental future. Our team provides all phases of pediatric dental care, kids’ oral care kits, and tips on developing healthy, decay-resistant teeth.
Download our Laser Pediatric Dentistry article to learn more!
At what age should my child begin seeing a dentist?
It may surprise you to learn that dentists and pediatricians recommend your child see a dentist by his or her first birthday. Is it time for you and your offspring to take that dental care step? Our dentists are proud to offer pediatric dental services for youth of all ages. We hope to overcome children’s knee-jerk evasions of oral care by educating them about how their dental health matters, and what they can do grow strong teeth. Our team offers pediatric-specific services that cater to the younger set, prioritizing gentleness, education, and pain-free dentistry.
Pediatric Dental Services at Hinsdale Dentistry:
– Pediatric dental care – Each individual has a different tendency towards tooth decay, depending on tooth construction, diet, and habits. Once your dentist has identified your child’s dental profile, we will discuss appropriate oral care. Your pediatric dentist will detail typical milestones in tooth development, proper oral habits, and ways to control thumb/pacifier sucking to prevent your child’s bite from suffering. We generally hope to see your child every six months to routinely identify any tooth decay or poor dental habits. Between visits, encourage a balanced diet at home, with brushing after snacking.
– Pediatric Fluoride Treatment – Fluoride allows for healthy enamel development, preventing future tooth decay. It is important that your children drink fluoridated water and use fluoridated toothpaste. Additionally, your dentists offer brief in-office flavored fluoride treatments following regular check-ups. We may also discuss the possibility of dental sealants for your child’s back teeth, to help protect the molars.
– How to Properly Brush and Floss Children’s Teeth – No matter your child’s attitude towards oral health, our dentists are available with suggestions and tips. As with many hygienic practices, it can help to encourage your kids to see brushing and flossing as an adult habit: something that makes them more grown-up. Try brushing with your children, to ensure that they are cleaning teeth properly and for the correct amount of time (at least 2 minutes, which feels longer than most kids think they should brush for!) Consider helping your children floss by the age of four, teaching them the importance of removing food and plaque from hard-to-reach areas between the teeth. Bad breath is likely a sign of poor oral hygiene, and can mean your child is skimping on oral care.
– Laser Cavity Detection – A cavity-detecting handheld laser system called Diagnodent allows our dentists to identify tooth decay without any kind of invasive search process. The laser reveals all decay, even if it is hidden in fissures or below the surface of the enamel, without any exploratory tooth excavation. This means no drilling, no scratching, and no x-rays: no negative exposure of any kind for your child.
– Pain-free laser fillings – Experience cavity removal without the typical dental drill and all its associated anxiety, pain, and shots of anesthesia. The Biolase MD Waterlase is an all-tissue dental laser that accomplishes all the work of a typical dental drill without discomfort. Especially significant in pediatric dental procedures, the Waterlase allows our dentists to create the gentle, relaxing dental experience your children deserve, even when filling cavities.
What is the right age for my child to see an Orthodontist?
Talk to our dentists about the appropriate age for your child to make his or her first visit to the orthodontist. Depending on mouth construction, that age varies wildly. Generally, at least a brief appointment by age 7 can be a good idea, to ensure that you have a plan for your child’s orthodontic future and will begin treatment at the most constructive moment.