Dentistry for Kids You already know just how important your dental care is. However, did you know that dental care is just as important for your child? Your child’s mouth is constantly changing as your they grow and develop. Taking good care of their mouth is essential for ensuring that it remains healthy and develops properly. Tim Perry, DDS can help by providing your child with the professional dental care that they need as they grow.Dental Cleanings and Exams for KidsStarting at an early age, your child should have regular dental cleanings and exams every six months. Starting early can help familiarize your child with our office and let them know that dental care is nothing to be scared of. With cleanings, we can remove buildup from the surfaces of your child’s teeth. We can reach all of the regions your child cannot properly clean on their own. These cleanings are essential for cavity prevention. Exams are also important. They allow us to check your child’s mouth for signs of any issues so that they can receive treatment right away. Your child will also have regular x-rays taken starting around the age of 6 or 7. These images allow us to monitor the growth and development of their teeth and jaws. Dental Emergencies for KidsSometimes, kids have accidents. They might fall off their bike or slip and fall while playing with their friends. These accidents can result in dental injuries, such as tooth damage, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. Sometimes, an infection can develop inside of the tooth. When these issues develop, restorative treatments are needed. We can provide your child with the care they need to treat the issue and restore their oral health. What if My Child Loses a Baby Tooth Too Early?Baby teeth are only temporary. They begin to fall out sometime around the age of 6 and are then replaced by the adult teeth. Normally, the baby teeth fall out when it is their time to be replaced. Sometimes, however, the baby teeth may fall out prematurely. Because the baby teeth act as space savers for the adult teeth, losing one too early can lead to complications later. If your child loses their baby tooth too early, we can help to save the space with a space maintainer. Breaking Oral HabitsMany children use pacifiers or suck their thumbs. This is a perfectly natural reflex that brings comfort. In the early years, it is perfectly harmless. However, past the age of 2 or 3, these habits can begin to cause orthodontic issues. Most children eventually give these habits up on their own. If your child is having trouble, though, you can help them through it. Encourage them, praise them when they are not using their pacifier or sucking their thumb, provide them with a new comfort object. For children who are having an especially hard time, oral devices may be offered. Mouthguards for Kids Who Play SportsSports are fun, but safety is important. A mouthguard is an important piece of equipment designed to protect not just the teeth, but the soft tissues in the mouth and the jawbone. A professionally made mouthguard will provide the best protection possible. If your child plays sports, we can create a mouthguard just for them. Dental care for kids is just as important as dental care for adults. For more information, and to schedule an appointment for your child, call Tim Perry, DDS at (318) 322-0576 today. |
Tim Perry DDS |
