General dentistry remains a critical aspect in helping prevent early childhood cavities, early tooth loss, and future gum disease. General dentists can help prepare children for positive experiences that help shape a lifelong, healthy mouth. Establishing a dental home is part of an ongoing relationship between the children’s dentist and the patient that should start early in life. The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommends that a dental home should be established no later than 1 year of age to help children and their families institute a lifetime of good oral health. A dental home addresses preventative, comprehensive oral health care and includes referral to dental specialists when appropriate.
At Downtown Dental, we want patients of all ages to feel comfortable in our office. We form long-lasting relationships that matter. For children, our friendly environment and gentle disposition help guide children through their dental checkups. We perform many of the necessary procedures that your child may need, including:
Dental Cleanings
We will review your child’s medical history with you and perform a standard examination for any factors concerning your child’s health. Next, your child’s teeth will be cleaned to remove any plaque and hard tartar deposits. After cleaning, we will give a fluoride treatment to help prevent cavities and strengthen any weakened areas of their teeth. We will also recommend more frequent visits if your child is prone to dental caries.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments may be recommended to help re-mineralize spots throughout the teeth to prevent cavities. We offer multiple flavors for your child to choose from, and we practice careful balance with our fluoride treatments. If you have any questions or concerns about the safety of fluoride please don’t hesitate to have that conversation with Dr. Jimmy.
Early Orthodontic Care
At Downtown Dental, we can identify crooked teeth and bite problems, checking routinely through examinations and assessments. We can actively intervene if the child’s teeth become a potential problem in the future.
Cavities
Tooth decay, commonly referred to as cavities, often occur at a young age, and early education and intervention is the key to preventing future problems. Dr. Jimmy will repair the tooth with tooth-colored fillings, and if necessary, provide crown treatment or tooth extractions.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a highly effective treatment for preventing tooth decay on permanent teeth as early as age 5. As the natural grooves of a child’s tooth form, those grooves can become so deep that normal brushing and flossing practices won’t help prevent cavities. Not everyone is a good candidate for dental sealants. Please consult with Dr. Jimmy to see if your child is a good candidate.
Our dental office is intentionally set up to make your child feel at ease. We actively engage with children by teaching them about our equipment, the tools we use, and our procedures. If you wish to schedule an appointment with us, call us today.
When should I take my child to the dentist?
The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommends that a child’s first dental visit should be established no later than 1 year of age to help children and their families institute a lifetime of good oral health. It’s important for this to be a fun and positive experience to help your child warm up to the dental environment.
Warming up at the dentist will look differently for each child. It’s our job to help make sure your child has a positive experience, ensuring that no treatment is ever forced on your child. Some things to expect include:
- An exam of your child’s mouth and oral development. This may take place in the dental chair or the parent’s lap.
- A cleaning with either a toothbrush or dental polisher.
- A chance to discuss and answer questions about how to establish good routines which promote health and prevent dental problems.
