Children’s Dentistry In Warrensburg And Oak Grove, MO
Caring For Your Child’s Dental Health
At Ridgeview Family Dental, we’re grateful to have the opportunity to guide younger patients towards a lifetime of pristine oral health with our children’s dentistry services.
We encourage starting dental visits at an early age so that your child becomes familiar with their surroundings. Our entire team is dedicated to ensuring your child is comfortable, so they can have fun while taking care of their teeth.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children should have their first dental visit when their first tooth erupts, or by their first birthday. This helps ensure proper tooth development, as well as prevention and early detection of dental problems. Starting your child’s dental care early will set them up for a lifetime of excellent oral health success.
During your child’s first dental visit, we’ll do everything we can to make it a fun, enjoyable experience. While our doctors aren’t Children’s Dental Specialists, they have great success with making children feel at ease during their appointments.
How To Prepare For Your Child’s Dental Exam
Prior to your child’s dental visit, there are a few tips you can follow to help make the process easier and set them up for success, including:
- Speak positively about the dentist
- Choose a time of day when they’re likely to feel relaxed
- Bring their favorite toys
- Introduce them to books or television shows that show their favorite characters visiting the dentist
- Use positive reinforcement or provide a reward
Keeping Their Smile Healthy At Home
Until your child is able to take care of their teeth fully on their own, a lot of the responsibility falls on you. Set a good example for your child by showing them how to brush and floss properly, or do it together to make it a family activity. It’s also helpful to limit their consumption of foods and drinks that have high levels of sugar.
Also, make sure to teach your child the importance of regularly visiting the dentist. Take them with you to an appointment so they can become familiar with the office. If they need more encouragement, you can try rewarding them with a toy or treat of some kind after they finish their dental appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your child’s dental appointments will include the same practices that you’re used to. We’ll check their teeth, gums, and jaw to ensure there aren’t any problems. We may also take x-rays to check for early signs of decay or cavities.
We’ll also thoroughly clean your child’s teeth and provide you with additional instructions and tips on how to improve their oral care routine. If you have any questions, we’ll be more than happy to answer them for you.
Focusing on your child’s oral hygiene routine is crucial to their overall health. Not only will it rid their mouths of harmful bacteria that eventually lead to cavities, but it will also form healthy habits that improve the longevity of their smile. A good oral health routine consists of brushing teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing between meals.
Here are a few other helpful guidelines for preventing cavities:
- Use oral care products that contain fluoride
- Avoid frequent snacking
- Avoid acidic and sugary foods
- Consider dental sealants
- Eat tooth-healthy foods
In addition to the above tips, visiting Ridgeview Family Dental biannually for checkups and professional cleanings is essential for your child’s oral health. During these visits, we’ll remove any built-up plaque and tartar to leave your child’s smile healthy and feeling good.
Visit Ridgeview Family Dental For Children’s Dentistry
Dr. Young and our talented dental team always ensure that your child’s visits to our dental office are comfortable and effective. With our children’s dentistry services, we can get your child on track for a lifetime of healthy, happy smiling. To schedule an appointment, contact our office at (660)-747-9117 or fill out the form at the bottom of this page. Our dental practice serves Warrensburg, Oak Grove, and the surrounding areas.
