When managing your dental care, we want everyone in your family to feel comfortable and we understand that everyone in your family has different needs.
For your children, teaching them good, healthy dental habits and establishing a positive professional dental experience is so important. We desire that children have a healthy start to their dental experience that is positive and without pain. As our children grow into teenagers and become busy with sports, school and socializing, establishing a healthy mouth with routine dental care is vital to manage their growing mouths so we have options to straighten smiles and prevent cavities. We understand that as adults we have hectic schedules; along with managing our family’s daily events and healthcare, we have concerns about payment, time and quality of care.
We work with your family’s schedules and strive to accommodate everyone’s needs to ensure that your family’s dental experience is a positive one. Check out some common questions below about your family’s dental care.
When should my child start visiting the dentist?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should visit the dentist within six months after the presence of the first tooth or by his or her first birthday. Early oral examination aids in the detection of the early stages of tooth decay. Early detection is also essential to maintaining good oral health. At Crescent Family Dentistry, we find that children are most likely to sit in a chair for their own cleaning beginning at age 3. Every child is different and this is not a strict age to start. We would love to be a part of your child’s dental care early. If you ever have concerns about your child’s tooth development or tooth care, we encourage you to bring your young children in with you for your own dental cleanings.
How often should my child go to the dentist?
A lifetime of healthy teeth begins with good dental habits. Give your child a strong foundation by bringing them for an exam and cleaning twice each year. Encourage your child to listen to the dental team during their visit. Work with your child at home to improve their dental hygiene routine.
What should I expect?
During each visit, we will gently clean your child’s teeth and remove any plaque or tartar. We will carefully examine their mouth and teeth for any potential issues with their growth or tooth development. X-Rays will be needed to best evaluate tooth eruption and evaluate cavity development. Regular cleanings and exams can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Each visit, we will discuss techniques and strategies to work with your children for developing good home brushing habits and positive diet choices. We love to involve the parents in developing mouth healthy strategies catered for their children’s needs.
What treatment could you propose?
- Fluoride: This mineral can strengthen your child’s tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to decay. Fluoride may be applied in office or used in certain toothpastes and mouth rinses.
- Sealants: They are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of molars. Recent studies have found that sealants can be highly effective in preventing tooth decay.
- Fillings/Stainless Steel Crowns: When cavities are present, we need to fix them. It is very important that baby teeth are maintained until normal exfoliation (tooth loss). Baby teeth hold the place for adult teeth to replace them and if they are lost prematurely, space can be lost and adult teeth may not come through properly.
- X-Rays: X-rays are vital to assist us in best caring for your family’s teeth. We are able to assess tooth development and cavity formation early so we can avoid painful and expensive procedures.
Crescent Family Dentistry is committed to being the place where your entire family comes for developing and maintaining a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. For more information about Family Dentistry, give us a call at 864.968.1777!
