Children's Dentistry
As a parent, nothing is more important than your child's health and well being. This is true of their oral health as well, and your dentist is an important component of your child's health care team.
Children are impressionable at a young age, and that is why it is important to introduce your child to the dentist early in life. Becoming desensitized to the dentist's office will allow them to feel more comfortable since it will become a more familiar environment.
Children should begin seeing the dentist soon after their baby teeth begin coming in. Generally, 2 years old is a good time to have them take a “ride” on the dental chair and begin acclimating to the dental office.
As a parent herself, Omaha dentist Dr. Amber Allen has found that keeping dental visits positive and upbeat for children is effective for building trust and setting your child up for successful future visits to the dentist. We look forward to building a relationship with your child!
Are Baby Teeth Really Important?
The myth that baby teeth are not important because they will eventually be lost anyway is not true. Baby teeth maintain space for the adult permanent teeth, and if they come out prematurely, it can cause a variety of problems, often including the need for braces to correct alignment issues. Baby teeth also assist your child in learning to talk and with eating solid foods.
Keeping your little one's baby teeth clean and healthy is important, and parents should begin brushing with a soft brush as soon as the baby teeth arrive. As your child gets older, you will need to help them with brushing and flossing until around the age of 7 to 8 years old. Children learn best by example and will imitate your good brushing and flossing habits.
Additional Services for Children
As your child grows, Dr. Allen may recommend additional services for them such as dental sealants. This is a thin protective coating that goes over the chewing surfaces of their teeth to protect them from the bacteria that cause tooth decay and cavities. Sealants are non-invasive and can typically be completed during one short appointment at our office.
If your child participates in sports, it's important to protect their teeth and mouth with the right mouth guard. Did you know that 40% of dental emergencies are related to sports? Customized mouth guards often offer better protection than those found in sporting goods stores. Dr. Allen can recommend the right protective guard to help your child avoid injuries.
Contact Dr. Allen
If you have questions about your child's oral health, or would like to schedule their next appointment, give your Omaha children's dentist a call today!
