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Most children lose their first tooth around the age of 6.
Your child’s dentist will begin the first appointment by taking some time to get to you and your kid. They’ll ask a few basic questions about your child’s oral health and any past treatments they may have had at other dental practices.
Your child’s cleaning may be done by a dentist, or by a dental hygienist when your child is comfortable. First, plaque and tartar are removed. The teeth are then buffed and polished with a high-speed toothbrush. Finally, they are flossed to ensure they’re completely clean. Your child’s dentist will examine their mouth thoroughly, looking out for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
After the cleaning and exam, your child’s dentist will discuss their findings with you. If their teeth are healthy, you’ll schedule another visit in six months. If there is an issue, your child’s doctor will provide treatment options and recommendations, and help you schedule a follow-up appointment to address the issue.
Tooth decay is the most common childhood illness.
Board-certified pediatric dentists are not the same as “family dentists.” While family dentists treat patients of all ages, pediatric dentists are specially-trained and exclusively treat children, which usually includes patients up to the age of 18. Pediatric dentists must undergo at least 2-3 years of pediatric training after obtaining their dental degree (DMD or DDS). To become board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, they must also pass a rigorous exam.
Through this additional training, doctors learn how to interact with kids, provide care in a friendly, unintimidating way, and catch dental issues early. If you choose a pediatric dentist for your child, you can be sure that they are getting the best possible care tailored to them.
The most common issue, by far, is tooth decay (cavities). 42% of kids between the ages of 2-11 will develop at least one cavity in a baby tooth. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is less common, but can still affect kids if they are not practicing proper oral hygiene habits. Oral developmental problems with baby teeth and adult teeth can also be a concern, so it’s important to see a dentist regularly to make sure your child’s mouth is developing properly.
The best way to protect your child from cavities is proper at-home oral care. Make sure they brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes, and floss once per day. You will likely need to floss for your child until they can do it properly on their own. In addition, make sure they maintain a diet low in sugary foods and beverages, and see their pediatric dentist for an appointment every six months.
Your child should get an ortho screening by the age of 7. Even if there are no obvious issues with their oral development, getting an orthodontic screening from a pediatric dentist or orthodontist can ensure that their mouths are developing properly. And, in the case that your dentist notices an issue, they can use interceptive orthodontics (phase 1 orthodontics) to resolve the issue, and potentially reduce the need for orthodontic treatment later in your child’s life.
A knocked out adult tooth can be saved!
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