Teeth Cleaning
The best way to keep your child's smile bright and healthy is to brush twice daily and make sure they see our pediatric dentist twice a year for regular checkups. This ensures problems or issues are resolved before they become too severe, and we clean your child's teeth in the process. Having your child's teeth cleaned by our pediatric dentist helps to remove hard plaque on their teeth and leaves them with a fresh clean feel in their mouth.
Dr. Wilson can also help guide you where more attention is needed in your child's routine care, likehelping your child floss.Regular checkups and teeth cleaning can also help prevent gum diseases. Great Outdoors Pediatric Dentistry can take care of cleaning your child's teeth, normal checkups and much more.
When should my child see a dentist?
Your child's first visit to the dentist should happen before his or her first birthday. The general rule is to see a dentistsix months after eruption of your child's first tooth. Tooth decay can occur as soon as teeth appear. Taking your child to the pediatric dentist at a young age is the best way to prevent problems before they develop. Our pediatric dentist can also help parents learn how to clean their child's teeth and identify their child's fluoride needs. Bringing your child to the dentist early often leads to a lifetime of good oral care habits and helps your child develop healthy relationships with dentists.
How do I prepare my child and myself for a dental visit?
Before the visit, ask Dr. Wilson about the first appointment so there are no surprises. Plan a course of action for how your child may react. Will they be cooperative or non- cooperative? A very young child may be fussy or simply not take well to a stranger. If your child is at an age of understanding, talk to your child about what to expect, and build excitement as well as understanding about the upcoming visit. Bring any records of your child's complete medical history if you have them.
What will happen on the first visit?
Dr. Wilson enjoys getting to know you and your child. The first visit is more of an icebreaker than anything. You may need to play a comforting and reassuring role for your child as the dentist gets to know the both of you. Be patientwith your child as you both get to know the practice and the dentist. The first visit may include but is not limited to the following:
- A gentle examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues. The dentist will wish to monitor growth and development and observe any problem areas
- If needed, a gentle cleaning may be offered. This may include: polishing teeth& cleaning, removing any plaque or removing tartar buildup or stains
- X-rays may be needed for first time visits
- Our pediatric dentist will demonstrate proper home hygiene
- Assessment of fluoride need
Young child appointments should always be scheduled earlier in the day, when your child is alert and fresh. For children under 3 years of age, the parent may need to sit in the dental chair and hold their child during the examination.
