From Baby Teeth to Braces: How Comprehensive Dental Care Grows With Your Child
Your Child’s Dental Care Journey
The journey of comprehensive dental care starts early. Sensational Smiles in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is your go-to family dentist. We take everyone from children to grandparents. With a dedicated dental practice, your child and family can all see the same friendly team for top-notch care, and we’ll be there as your child grows. Learn more about why having a dedicated dentist to take care of your child’s dental health is important to their growth and development.
The First Dental Visit
Did you know your child’s first dental visit should be around their first birthday? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist when their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. The first dental visit is more about getting your child used to the sights and sounds than about a dental cleaning like you might expect.
During your child’s first dental visit, the Sensational Smiles team will perform a brief evaluation of your child’s mouth to check for any issues and see how their teeth are coming in. The main goal, however, is getting the child used to the dental office and having a dentist evaluate them.
During this time, your dentist will show you how to help your child enjoy dental checkups and how to care for newly erupted teeth. Parents can begin their child’s oral health journey by gently cleaning their gums with a clean, soft washcloth that is wet with warm water. Gently massage the washcloth along the gums and any teeth your child may have. This gets children used to something being in their mouth and starts a good dental health journey.
As more of your child’s teeth come in, we recommend getting them on a six-month rotation of regular dental checkups, just like adults.
Watching for Early Developmental Concerns
Did you know that the alignment of your child’s teeth can affect their speech and the way they chew? That is why having routine dental checkups is important. During biannual dental evaluations, your dentist will monitor how your child’s teeth are aligning to make sure their bite is aligned.
Some children experience malocclusion, which means the teeth don’t sit in an ideal position when closed together. This can lead to extra force and wear on certain teeth and may contribute to speech issues. The team at Sensational Smiles can address malocclusion early with comprehensive dental care and regular dental appointments.
Sometimes there is simply not enough space in your child’s mouth. This can cause permanent teeth to come in crooked or crowded. Other times, there might be too much space between the teeth, leading to gaps between the permanent teeth. Again, regular comprehensive dental care can help address these issues before they become major dental problems.
Preventive Care Throughout the Years
As a parent, you want to give your child an advantage anyway you can. The same can be said for their dental health. As your child’s teeth come in, it is important to keep up with routine dental checkups to assess any issues that your child may have. These are also times to speak with your dentist about what extra steps you can take to help keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong.
For example, many dentists recommend children get preventive fluoride treatments. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to fortify the enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth. If your dentist recommends a fluoride treatment, it can be done right in the Sensational Smiles office. All your dentist does is apply a thin fluoride coating to your child’s teeth and let it sit for a minute or two, and that’s it! Your child’s teeth now have an extra layer of protection. Your dentist will also recommend your child use a fluoridated toothpaste, as well as a mouthwash in some cases.
Another way to help your child avoid cavities and tooth decay is by way of dental sealants. A dental sealant is a protective coating bonded to the surface of your child’s back teeth, or molars. Molars are more susceptible to cavities because they often have deep grooves and are hard for children to reach on their own when they’re still learning to brush on their own. Ask the Sensational Smiles team more about this painless form of tooth protection if you are interested in extra cavity protection for your child.
When Orthodontic Care Comes In
If your child has a misaligned bite or crooked teeth, they may be in need of orthodontic care. The good news is that Sensational Smiles can provide the orthodontic care your child needs.
At Sensational Smiles, we offer traditional metal braces, as well as Invisalign, if your child is in need of orthodontic care. Traditional metal braces are a tried-and-true method to straightening teeth and fixing bites, while Invisalign is an alternative to traditional metal braces. Through applying gentle pressure, the custom-made clear aligners slowly straighten the teeth. Every week or two, new aligners are provided, continuing the gentle pressure to move the teeth into position.
Since the trays are removable, Invisalign doesn’t require quite as many food restrictions, and the fact that there are no brackets or wires makes this method a favorite among teens in particular.
If your child is a candidate for braces, schedule an appointment with our team to talk about your child’s orthodontic options.
A Team Approach That Grows With Your Child
The team at Sensational Smiles is the perfect family dentist. We see patients of all ages and are able to keep your child’s teeth in tip-top shape. From toddler to teen years, having one dental team is advantageous for your child because we can monitor their oral development through every life stage. We are in constant communication with you and the other members of our dental team, so we know how your child’s dental health has been progressing. If you’re interested in joining our dental family, give us a call today to schedule your appointment.
