Dentistry for Kids Scheduling regular dental appointments is one of the most important and beneficial things you can do for your child’s oral health. Routine visits allow us to prevent, diagnose, and treat potential problems before significant complications arise. At Elite Dental of Natick, we specialize in some preventive and restorative treatments designed to improve your child’s oral health. Your Child’s First VisitThe American Dental Association (ADA), which is the leading authority on oral health, has set rough guidelines regarding proper dentistry for kids. As a general rule of thumb, the ADA recommends scheduling your child’s first appointment by the time their first primary (baby) tooth erupts, around the age of six months. At the very latest, your child should see a dental professional by their first birthday. This initial visit is largely precautionary and educational. During your child’s first appointment, we will perform a brief exam to check for potential developmental problems and determine the current status of their oral health. We also review the proper brushing and flossing techniques to ensure you implement the best oral hygiene practices before your child can do it on their own. The Importance of Regular Visits for KidsAfter your child’s first appointment, Dr. Bethany Polnar suggests scheduling regular visits every six months, about twice a year. If your child is more susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems, we may recommend more frequent visits. Regular appointments allow us to monitor their oral health, helping your child maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. Even with a strong oral hygiene routine, certain dental problems may still occur. Tooth decay and gum disease, the two most common problems, are also the easiest to prevent with routine visits. Both problems are caused by the harmful bacteria found in plaque and tartar (calcified plaque). And, both problems can be avoided with proper periodontal care like regular exams and professional dental cleanings. If we see signs of bruxism, or teeth grinding, we may recommend a night guard to prevent future issues with TMJ. For patients experiencing misalignment or spacing issues, we may recommend clear aligners as treatment. If we do diagnose your child with one of these issues, routine visits allow us to catch them early on, when they are easiest to treat and reverse. Without regular appointments, these problems may develop into more severe complications, ones that require expensive and time-consuming procedures. Home Care and Office Visits for KidsOf course, a healthy and beautiful smile always begins with an excellent oral hygiene routine. Once your child is old enough, we will show them how to properly brush and floss their teeth. Our goal is to make this information educational and fun, ensuring they understand the importance of daily oral hygiene. Most kids should brush their teeth about twice a day, preferably after meals and before bed. Flossing once a day is also vital in preventing gum disease, which often occurs due to food debris and plaque buildup in between the teeth. Be sure to monitor their hygiene routine while they are young to help establish positive habits. We also understand that some children have fear or anxiety associated with visiting the dentist. For this reason, we strive to provide a comfortable, even enjoyable experience. Try to maintain a positive attitude before and during their visit, even if you have dental anxiety. Children can often pick up on certain attitudes, which is why staying positive is so important! Schedule an Appointment Now!If you have a child in need of professional dentistry, you have come to the right place. Call (508) 319-9339 to schedule your child’s appointment today! |
All Your Dental Needs. All Under One Roof. Elite Dental of Natick232 Pond St. Natick, MA 01760-4376 Phone(508) 319-9339 info@elitedentalofnatick.com HoursMon Tue Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun 8:00am - 5:00pm 8:00am - 6:00pm 8:00am - 5:00pm 8:00am - 5:00pm 8:00am - 5:00pm Closed Closed |
