Dentistry For Kids
Tigard, OR
There are nearly 74 million children in the United States. They make up about 25% of the population. However, most parents would say that kids monopolize 100% of their time - but they wouldn’t have it any other way. If you are a parent, have you thought about family dental care? No matter how old your child is, they are never too young to come see us. When you bring your kids to a medical professional, you want to make sure they are kid-friendly. We would say that your dentist should be no different. You want to find a great kids dentist that specializes in the care of children. Give Lincoln Center Smiles a chance to tell you about how dentistry works for children.
The Importance of Dental Care for Children
We can’t tell you how many times we have heard that children don’t need dental care. We get that a lot. Often, adults tell us that their son or daughter doesn’t need dental care because their permanent teeth haven’t erupted yet. However, nothing could be further from the truth. If anything, kids need a dentist more than adults do. That’s because if they don’t get good dental care now, they could be set up for a lifetime of problems.
Your child’s baby teeth are vitally important. Baby teeth help a child learn to chew his or her food. Children can also speak more clearly with teeth than without them. Perhaps the most important function baby teeth have in kids is as a trial run for the permanent teeth that will follow. If there is a problem with the child’s mouth structures, better to find out early so it can be fixed.
If kids get good dental care early, they are less likely to have cavities in their baby teeth. Research has shown that children who have healthy baby teeth are more likely to have healthy permanent teeth as well. Also, research shows that if a child has poor dental health, it delays baby teeth falling out to make room for permanent teeth. They can also get tooth decay and gum disease in their baby teeth, which will lead to possible damage to their gums and bones. The earlier you start your child’s dental care, the better for your child’s dental health throughout their lives.
The Dental Visit
You will want to schedule your child’s first visit when their first tooth erupts or comes in. There is no way we can tell when your child will get their first tooth. Some babies get their first tooth at six months of age. For others, it is past their first birthday before they get their first tooth. If your child has not gotten a tooth by their first birthday, go ahead and schedule an appointment with us. That way, we can check the structures in your child’s mouth and make sure everything is going ok.
If you are bringing your baby in tor the first time, we will spend most of that time, making sure they are not scared. We will briefly examine their teeth and gums for infections or tooth decay. We will talk to you about brushing their teeth, and how to care for their mouth at home. We may take x-rays if your child is older than a year as well. The most important part of the dental visit is us getting to know your child so they are not scared to come and see us! Call Lincoln Center Smiles at (503) 598-0898. |
