Our Personal Approach To Kids Dentistry

It’s important that your little one sees their dentist twice a year. These visits help keep their teeth cavity-free, prevent gum disease, and ensures the proper development of their smiles. However, checkups and cleanings can be intimidating for some young patients. The team at Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, offers a caring and compassionate approach to help your child have a positive experience at the dentist.

When Should You Bring Them In For Their First Visit?

You can bring your child in for their very first checkup between the ages of six months to one year. At this age, they should have developed their first tooth. This first visit allows your little one an opportunity to get to know their dentist, feel comfortable with the team, and you can discuss any oral hygiene concerns you may have with the team. After this initial visit has been done, a baseline record of oral health can be established, and the next checkup should take place around three years old. At this age, they can begin their biannual appointments that continue throughout their entire life.

Bringing them into the dentist starting at a young age can help decrease the chances of your child developing dental-related fear and anxiety. Dentophobia can make it difficult for patients to feel comfortable when receiving care. They may avoid checkups, simple restorations, and even necessary emergency care. This can lead to them avoiding appointments altogether, which can later lead to needing more extensive treatments.

Preventive Checkups, Fluoride, And Sealants

Their dental appointments are fairly similar to adult ones, with a few changes to ensure they are comfortable and at ease. Your child’s teeth will be cleaned and polished by one of our dental hygienists. Then, their oral cavity will be examined to look for signs of decay, gingivitis, or other concerns. These checkups help prevent serious problems by detecting them early. The earlier cavities can be treated, the less likely significant damage can be done.

Since kids can often be susceptible to cavities, your dentist may suggest that your little one receive fluoride treatment or sealants. These are additional preventive measures that can be used to protect their pearly whites. Fluoride can be applied topically to help strengthen their teeth against decay. Sealants function as a barrier between the tooth and bacteria in the mouth. If a cavity does form, a dental filling can be done to stop the progression of decay and protect your little one’s smile.

Consistent Checkups Keep Your Little One’s Smile Healthy

Summer break is a great time to bring your family in for a biannual cleaning and examination. To schedule an appointment with our team, call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, today (515) 965-0230.