At Polaris Dentistry of Sachse, we know children have different needs when it comes to oral health. Little ones require a unique mix of friendly and expert care. We offer exceptional care for the whole family. Keep reading to learn what that means to kids’ growing smiles.
According to the American Dental Association, children should visit the dentist when their first tooth erupts through the gum line. After that, regular visits begin no later than age 3. This may seem early, but starting during babyhood will help ensure your child gets started on a lifetime of clean, happy, and healthy smiles.
The first appointment is an excellent chance to introduce your child to the dentist’s office. They will sit in your lap while we take a quick look around their mouth. We will count their teeth, provide a quick clean, and ensure everything looks A-OK. This is also a chance for you to ask questions about your child’s dental needs. We always block off plenty of time for this initial appointment!
Visiting the dentist is only one aspect of a child’s healthy smile. Their mouth should be cleaned with a moist washcloth after each feeding during infanthood. Brush with a rice-sized amount of toothpaste as soon as the first tooth emerges. After the age of 3, you can begin to use a pea-sized amount. Floss as soon as two teeth are touching each other. Once your child reaches the age of 6 or so, they should be able to brush their own teeth. However, continuing to monitor their habits to ensure they are doing a good job every time is necessary.
Between the ages of 6 and 14, your child’s teeth will be especially vulnerable to tooth decay. Dental sealants can help to prevent cavities. This treatment creates a thin barrier over the irregular chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. This prevents food particles and bacteria from building up to accelerate the rate of tooth decay. In addition, dental sealants can be quickly placed after a checkup and cleaning, providing years of protection for the smile.
Another excellent preventive treatment for kids is topical fluoride. A single treatment only takes a minute or two and can significantly strengthen the tooth enamel to help protect against cavities. Sometimes, cavities can be reversed if a weak spot is detected in time. We will evaluate your child’s teeth and determine how often they should get fluoride treatments. For most kids, twice-annual applications can provide significant protection.
Our friendly and compassionate method will help your child develop trust. In order to encourage your child to cooperate, we use positive encouragement and praise and reward them each step along the way. Not only is Dr. Dhawan highly trained, but she also uses a compassionate, gentle approach with all of her patients, striving to make them comfortable and help them reach their goals. You can rest easy knowing your child is in great hands.
We strive to empower you & your child with preventative care, oral hygiene instructions, nutritional counseling, etc. In addition, we are here to guide you and answer your questions concerning your child’s development.
We also make the dentist fun with a Kid’s Movie & Play Room with Video Game stations for the bigger kids and toys for the little kids. We even have TVs above every dental chair, so your child can watch their favorite show or movie during their treatment.
Your child will love coming to the dentist and caring for their teeth from a young age so they can have a beautiful, healthy smile for life.