Helping Your Child Have A Healthy Smile

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be easy for dental checkups to slip your mind. However, these appointments should be moved to the top of your to-do list, especially for your little ones. Your child’s oral health is just as important as yours, and they need to build good habits starting at a young age. Dental Impressions of Ankeny, IA, offers dental care for adults and children, so you can schedule cleanings for your entire family in one place.

Their First Visit

You should bring your child in for the first time by the time they reach one year old. During this time, their first tooth should have grown in. This appointment will be different than the checkups you are used to. Instead of cleaning and X-rays, this visit will be used to help them feel comfortable with the staff. This will help future appointments run smoothly and minimize the chances of dental anxiety in the future. After this, regular biannual appointments can begin.

Protecting Them From Cavities

As your little one grows, they can learn how to care for their smiles. When your child begins to brush their teeth, remember to supervise them to ensure that they reach every area thoroughly. This will help keep their breath fresh and prevent cavities. For an extra boost of protection, we can apply fluoride treatment or sealants to their teeth as well. Fluoride is a mineral that can strengthen the enamel which reduces the chances of tooth decay. Sealants can be applied on areas such as the molars to prevent food particles from getting stuck in hard-to-reach areas.

If They Have Tooth Decay

Even with the best prevention, your child may end up with a cavity. This is very common among kids and is easily treatable. During their next checkup, their dentist may notice signs of decay during their cleaning by a change in the texture of the tooth or sensitivity in the area. An X-ray can also show the formation of a carie. If this is detected, a filling appointment may be scheduled.

Fillings are a straightforward process that stops the progression of tooth decay. After numbing the area, a drill will be used to remove the cavity. Then, the area will be cleaned and prepared. Composite resin is then added to the tooth to protect it from further damage and as a barrier against bacteria. It is important to have a cavity treated as early as possible to prevent the decay from becoming deeper.

Schedule Your Little One’s Checkup

Your child should be seeing the dentist twice a year, just like you. To schedule an appointment, call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.