Is it time for your child's first pediatric dental checkup? What should you expect? Will your child enjoy their first interaction with the dentist? These are all wonderful questions for parents to ask, and the expert who can provide the right answers is your child's pediatric dentist. In Waxahachie, TX, this means scheduling an appointment with Just For Kids Dental.
Your child will love stopping by Just for Kids Dental. Through the interactive use of balloons, books, toys and more, our highly trained staff is dedicated to giving your family no-stress, personalized dental care that actually makes children look forward to a trip to the dentist. Your child will love us because we're loads of fun. You'll love us because we have the answers to all those questions first-time parents ask.
Is a Dental Check-Up the Same as a Cleaning?
A pediatric dental checkup is not the same as a pediatric cleaning, though your dentist and dental team may perform both in the same visit.
A regular pediatric dental exam tells the dentist whether everything is okay with your child's teeth and gums. During this exam, the dentist checks for signs of tooth decay or gum disease. They make sure your child's teeth are growing correctly and that everything is aligned as it should be. They may perform diagnostic tests, including X-rays, which allow us to see whether there are cavities between your child’s teeth. Your child may also receive sealants to help prevent future cavities, and both you and your child may learn more about how to care for young teeth and gums at home.
If you have scheduled a deep cleaning for your older child, the dentist will use instruments to gently scrape away tartar and plaque. They will then floss between teeth and polish teeth at the end. This is the perfect time to ask questions about how to develop strong oral hygiene habits at home, and to learn more about why and how to care for your child's teeth.
When Should Your Child Have Their First Dental Visit?
Just for Kids Dental would like to see your child around the time of their first birthday or whenever the first tooth comes in. All children develop according to their own timelines, and their teeth are no exception. So, if your baby has reached the one-year milestone without a first tooth, there's absolutely no need to worry. Our experienced dentist will use this opportunity to perform an initial exam, take a brief family medical history, and to get to know you and your child. As a parent, this is the perfect time to ask questions and to learn more about how to best care for your baby's teeth and gums.
How Often Does Your Child Need a Dental Cleaning?
Our dentists recommend scheduling a kids teeth cleaning every six months. Twice a year is usually all that's needed to help your little one maintain a healthy mouth. Of course, any time you have questions or concerns, or if your child develops pain or discomfort from a cavity or injury, we're always ready to help. Always feel free to call and speak to a member of our friendly staff to set up a convenient time to come in whenever you feel it's necessary.
What's Included in Your Child's Full Dental Exam?
Baby's first checkup appointment allows our dentist to learn more about both you and your child. They'll take time to talk with you and address any concerns you may have. They'll also ask a few questions of their own, regarding any family medical history that could impact your baby's oral health. They may ask whether your child was born prematurely, whether they were breastfed, and whether they suck their thumb or use a pacifier to self-soothe. They may want to know if you have well water or city water at home and will discuss the benefits of fluoride.
As far as the actual pediatric dental exam, the dentist will look at your baby's teeth and gums to ensure they're healthy and that the teeth are developing as they should. For older children, a full dental exam may include X-rays, a bite check, or a fluoride treatment. Our dentist will explain exactly what they're doing and why, so you'll always know what's taking place during the exam.
Is One Visit a Year Enough for Regular Dental Care?
To provide the highest quality of pediatric dentistry, our dentists would like to see your child twice a year at minimum. Twice a year not only gives your child the benefits of regular dental care, but it also allows the dentist to check for early signs of dental problems, such as impacted teeth, dental caries, or malocclusion. The sooner problems like these are found and treated, the less discomfort your child will experience. Additionally, the enamel on baby teeth is about a third of the thickness as that of a permanent tooth. This means cavities progress much faster in baby teeth than they do in our adult mouths.
For children, preventative care is especially important, not only to discourage tooth decay and gum disease, but also because it helps them form positive life-long habits that foster healthy teeth and gums. For these reasons, we strongly encourage routine dental checkups and cleanings at regular intervals throughout the year.
We take being your choice for pediatric dentistry in Waxahachie very seriously, which is why everyone at Just for Kids Dental wants the highest quality of care for your little ones.
Call Just for Kids Dental Today
Just for Kids Dental is the clear choice for pediatric dentistry in Ellis County, TX. Family-owned and operated, Just for Kids Dental has proudly served Waxahachie and the surrounding area for more than two decades. Board-certified and always professional, our dentists understand what it means to be a kid, and they're determined to make every visit a happy, relaxed memory for the whole family.
Call today to schedule your baby's first dental visit or a kids' teeth cleaning, and experience the Just for Kids Difference.
