CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY

Like most parents, you want the best for your child, including the top-notch dental care that contributes to a healthy, long-lasting smile. Starting your little one off on the right path during childhood helps to ensure that he or she will seek preventive care for a lifetime to come! Children look forward to visiting friendly family dentist in Wylie -- keep reading to learn more about the need for children’s dentistry, then schedule an appointment today!

Your Child’s First Dental Appointment

Feel free to bring your little one in for his or her first appointment with the dentist in Wylie around the time they turn one. By this age, they’ve started to grow some of their first teeth, and we can take a look and make sure those tiny pearly whites aren’t showing the signs of baby bottle tooth decay. You probably also have a number of questions that we can answer during this initial appointment.

Begin Regular Visits Around Age 3

By the time your little one turns three, you should be bringing them in for regular six month checkups and cleanings. We’ll perform light cleanings, take x-rays, and talk to your child about the importance of good dental hygiene. If any issues are detected at this early age, we can often provide a quick, efficient solution. Early detection is crucial for the most conservative treatment.

As your child gets older, we can provide additional preventive treatments to protect their smile from decay and infection. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments are completed within minutes at the end of a checkup and cleaning and provide significant preventive help.

How You Can Help Develop Your Child’s Dental Hygiene Habits

Many children are reluctant to brush and floss regularly -- but developing these habits from a young age is crucial for their continued smile health. Try starting a progress chart to keep track of how often they brush and floss like they should, and consider adding small rewards for weeks or months of consecutive good behavior. Toothbrushes and other dental hygiene tools also come in a variety of colors and with their favorite characters, which can be a helpful incentive for kids who are reluctant to brush and floss.

Special Concerns for Older Children

In later childhood and throughout adolescence, your child will encounter a number of additional barriers to smile health. Children are at the highest risk of cavities between ages 6 and 14, when the tooth enamel on their permanent teeth is still developing. And as kids start eating out of the home more, their smiles may be exposed to more sugar than you’d prefer. Talking to your child about the importance of good nutrition can help, and so can leading by example. Fill your own pantry and fridge full of nutritious foods and encourage your child to drink tap water, which contains fluoride that strengthens the teeth against cavities. If you prefer your family to drink filtered water, ensure your child is brushing with toothpaste that contains fluoride.

Families trust the dental experts at the Maxwell Creek Family Dentistry for friendly, dedicated children’s dental care. If you live in the Murphy, Sachse or Wylie area and are looking for a kid’s dentist near you, contact us to schedule an appointment for your little one at our Wylie dental office today.