Caring Dentistry for Kids Adults aren’t the only ones who need to take good care of their teeth. It’s important to start a good oral hygiene routine with your children in their early years to ensure their mouth develops properly and they avoid serious dental issues in the future. Here at Summit Dental Care, we offer pediatric dentistry and can help with your kids’ dental health. We offer gentle, comfortable care for even the youngest of smiles. Starting Good Dental Habits for Your Kids It’s recommended that children be seen by their first birthday for their very first appointment, even if they do not yet have any teeth. The baby teeth, while temporary, perform numerous essential functions. Taking good care of your baby’s teeth is important for ensuring that they perform those functions properly. Additionally, a crucial part of good oral care is having their teeth cleaned and examined twice a year, just like you. Children’s Dentistry and Preventative Dental Care A big part of the preventative care we provide for your child is through their biannual exams and cleanings. Exams are important for the early detection of issues so that we can treat them before they turn into something worse. We can also spot potential orthodontic issues, which might require early treatment or braces. Cleanings eliminate plaque buildup from their teeth, which helps to prevent the development of decay and cavities. In addition to cleanings and exams, we provide other preventative services for kids such as sealants and fluoride treatment to prevent cavities. We also offer custom mouth guards for children who play sports, in order to help protect their teeth, jaws, and other soft tissues. Dental Sealants Here at Summit Dental Care, we offer dental sealants to protect teeth from decay and preserve the aesthetics of your smile. A dental sealant is placed on the top surfaces of molars, to provide extra protection over these hard-to-clean grooves. This preventive treatment also seals out any harmful bacteria that can result in cavities that are likely to affect children and teens. Dental sealants can safeguard your child’s oral health, and establish a strong foundation that will follow them into adulthood. However, it is important to note that dental sealants are not a substitute for good oral hygiene practices. Proper brushing and flossing techniques are the best way to reduce your child’s risk of developing tooth decay. Be sure they are brushing their teeth at least twice a day, especially after meals and before bed. Flossing once a day is also a crucial part of your child’s oral health. Restorative Dental Care Even with good preventative care, cavities and other issues might still develop. If your child develops a cavity, damages a tooth, or has any other oral health issue, we can help diagnose it and provide them with the care they need to restore their smile back to health. We can provide your child with fillings for cavities, dental crowns for damaged or decayed teeth, tooth extractions, and more. With restorative care, we can help to protect your child’s oral health and ensure proper development as they continue to grow. Helping Your Child Take Care Of Their Smile At Home A big part of your child’s dental care takes place right at home. We can help you through all stages of growth to ensure that you and your little one take good care of their mouth. As your child gets older and becomes more independent, we can help them understand the importance of taking good care of their teeth. We can also provide you with tips on how to motivate your child and empower them to take care of their teeth at home. Frequently Asked Questions What happens during my child’s dental appointments? Your child’s dental appointments will include the same practices that you’re used to. We’ll check their teeth, gums, and jaw to ensure there aren’t any problems. We may also take X-rays to check for early signs of decay or cavities. We’ll also thoroughly clean your child’s teeth and provide you with additional instructions and tips on how to improve their oral care routine. If you have any questions, we’ll be happy to answer them for you. How often should I schedule my child’s dental appointments? We recommend scheduling check-ups and professional cleanings every six months. Depending on your child’s oral health, more frequent visits may be necessary. These additional visits will help reduce the risk of cavities and keep their oral health on track. How can my child avoid cavities? You’ll want to make appointments at our Twin Falls location twice a year for checkups and cleanings. In addition to following and recommendations given by our friendly staff, you’ll want to make sure your child: Limits sugary and acidic foods Uses oral hygiene products containing fluoride Limits snacking between meals Ask our dentists about fluoride treatments and dental sealants How can my child develop healthy oral hygiene habits? We suggest trying to make their oral hygiene routine fun and be a good role model. If your child sees you regularly brushing your teeth, they’ll mimic your behavior. If you need any additional help, feel free to ask our friendly staff for tips during your visit. We’re happy to educate you and your child on proper brushing and flossing techniques. Until your child has developed the motor skills necessary to perform their oral care routine on their own, you’ll want to provide guidance during brushing and flossing. Is Your Child Due for a Dental Appointment? For more information about the dental services that we provide for children or to schedule an appointment for them, give our office a call at (208) 733-9999 today. Their smiles are just as important as yours, so you will never regret starting their proper oral hygiene regimen early.
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