Children’s Dentistry – Newark, DE
Protect Your Child’s Oral Development for Life!
Our office is dedicated to helping children achieve oral health success well into their adulthood. Establishing their oral care habits and routine dental visits now carries massive implications as they age, which is why Dr. Bond and Dr. Ganfield are fully dedicated to educating parents on oral care and providing treatments proven to protect their developing smiles. If your child is long overdue for an appointment, feel free to contact our office to schedule their next checkup and cleaning!
Why Preventive Care at a Young Age Matters
There are many misconceptions people have about the oral health of young patients. One of the most common is the idea that baby teeth don’t carry as much importance as permanent teeth since they are meant to fall out naturally. A huge part of establishing long-term oral health success is paying close attention to oral development at a young age. If problems arise early, such as tooth decay in baby teeth or the progression of gum disease, then your child is only more prone to conditions that can permanently alter their oral health success.
For example, baby teeth that fall out prematurely only cause permanent teeth to erupt before they’re ready. This can negatively affect the alignment of their teeth and bite, resulting in the need for orthodontic intervention later.
With routine checkups and cleanings, our office can catch problems before they have a chance to turn into more serious problems down the road.
Your Child’s First Visit
Your child’s first dental visit should occur within six months of their first tooth erupting or by their first birthday. During the appointment, our dentists will briefly look inside your child’s mouth to ensure development is going as planned and that no cavities or infections are present. Most of their appointment will consist of the best practices to keep when performing oral care at home. You’ll also be informed on treatments proven to protect their oral health at a young age, including dental sealants and fluoride varnishes. If your child is anxious or shy, you’re more than welcome to have them sit on your lap while the exam takes place!
At-Home Oral Care Tips to Know
When caring for your child’s oral health at home, keep the following points in mind:
- Make sure they brush twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste.
- Have them start flossing once a day after two teeth touch.
- Bring them in for a routine exam once every six months.
- Use a smear of toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice up until the age of three, then increase it to a pea-sized amount after the age of three.
- Dedicate a specific time for their oral care to help them establish a daily habit.
- Brush alongside them to make oral care more fun and show them how much you care about their health.
- Have them pick out their favorite toothbrush and toothpaste to encourage them to practice daily care.
By visiting a family dentist in Newark, you’re doing everything you can to ensure your child maintains positive oral health well into their adulthood. Our practice serves Newark as well as the surrounding communities, so don’t hesitate to contact our office today!