Children's DentistryOral hygiene is an important habit for everyone, adults and child alike. Just like you, your child needs to brush and floss their teeth every day. They also require professional dental care. However, the needs of your child are different from your own dental needs. Your child is still growing, and their mouth is undergoing a significant amount of growth and development. At Sunnyside Dentistry, we can provide your child with the dental care they need to maintain and develop a healthy, beautiful smile. Cleanings and ExamsIn addition to brushing and flossing their teeth every day, it is important that your child have their teeth professionally cleaned and examined every six months. Cleanings are performed to help your child further prevent the formation of cavities and other oral health issues. Their teeth are scraped clean, eliminating plaque and bacteria buildup as well as stubborn tartar, or calcified plaque that cannot be removed with a toothbrush. We can reach all surfaces of their teeth, including the ones they may have difficulty cleaning on their own.Exams are typically performed in the same appointment as cleanings. Exams enable us to spot early warning signs of oral health issues. Spotting issues early then allow us to take the necessary actions to provide minimally invasive treatments. Exams are also important for monitoring the growth and development of the teeth and jaws of your child. Part of this monitoring includes dental X-rays. Preventative Care with Fluoride and SealantsWe can provide your child with additional measures to prevent the formation of cavities with fluoride and sealants. Fluoride treatments are simple, quick applications that involve placing a fluoride gel on the surfaces of their teeth. The fluoride absorbs into the enamel and helps the teeth to fight off the formation of tooth decay. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of the molars, sealing the deep crevices to prevent food particles and bacteria from becoming trapped. While both of these treatments aid in cavity prevention, they are only effective when used along with good oral hygiene practices.Early Orthodontic EvaluationsThe AAPD recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7. By this age, all of the baby teeth have fallen out, and the adult teeth have begun to develop and even emerge. Also, by this age, many orthodontic issues and potential issues can be detected. During the orthodontic evaluation, we monitor the teeth and jaws of your child to determine the presence of orthodontic issues and predict the likelihood of issues occurring. If issues are detected, we can then help your child to get the treatment they need. In many cases, early orthodontic treatment lessens the severity of later treatments and may even eliminate the need for orthodontic treatment.What if My Child is Anxious?We understand that children can get nervous about going to the dentist. They might not know what to expect, which can trigger fear and uncertainty. Helping to prepare your child can help to alleviate these feelings. Talking with your child and letting them know about the appointment in advance can provide them with time to process. Answer their questions, but do not give too much information. You can also help to prepare them by playing pretend or reading books about going to the dentist.Once in our office, we also work to make the environment a comfortable one for your child. We speak in a calm, even tone and avoid using scary words. We also show them our tools and explain what they are for before we do anything. If your child is still anxious or is unable to sit still, we can provide sedation to help your child relax. Regular professional dental care is just as important for your child as it is for you. For more information on the services we can provide for your child and to schedule their appointment, call Sunnyside Dentistry today at (503) 451-5104. |
