Help your children enjoy a lifetime of good dental health: Visit a family dentist who understands the gentle care and treatment necessary for children, while also being able to treat all family members for your family’s convenience. Pediatric dentistry should not be overlooked, because tooth decay is prevalent amongst children, and poor dental hygiene can impact your child’s oral development and health for years to come. Our teeth and gums are vital in everyday life for speaking, eating and communicating. Make sure you know the facts about your child’s dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions for Your Family Dentist
When should children go to the dentist for the first time?
Your child’s primary teeth typically erupt around 6 months of age. The American Academy of Pediatric Denistry recommends that your child visit the dentist for the first time within six months of their first tooth growing in or by their first birthday. At our family dentist office, we recommend seeing children by their second birthday.
How often should children go to the dentist?
After their first dental visit, children should visit the dentist every six months, just like their parents. Twice-yearly dental visits help keep teeth clean, prevent tooth decay, and monitor oral development.
What happens during a pediatric dentistry appointment?
During your child’s appointment, they will experience a gentle dental cleaning. This cleaning removes any tartar build-up that may have formed. This is important to prevent tooth decay, because tartar cannot be removed at home; it can only be removed at a dental office. Following the cleaning, the dentist will carefully examine your child’s mouth to check for cavities and teeth development.
Do children get cavities, and how are they treated?
Yes, children are just as susceptible to tooth decay as adults. To prevent cavities, your children should be brushing their teeth morning and night, flossing daily, visiting the dentist twice-yearly, and avoiding sugary snacks and treats.
Do children really need to floss?
Yes! Children should floss daily, in conjunction with twice-daily brushing. The earlier you instill this essential dental habit in your children, the more likely it will be second nature to them during adulthood.
What kind of dentist should children see?
Family dentist offices are for all members of the family, with dentists who can treat both adults and children. It’s important to consider a practice with a children’s dentist who understands how to treat and work with children.
ABOUT YOUR SHREWSBURY DENTISTS:
At Modern Dentistry, Todd A. Pizzi, DDS, and Luciana Messina, DDS, are dedicated to providing high-quality cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dentistry services to patients and families in Shrewsbury, Worcester, North and South Grafton, Westborough, Southborough, Northborough, Boylston, Hopkinton, Millbury, and all surrounding communities. To schedule your next appointment, contact our office by calling (508) 842-6356 today.
