At the office of Ideal Dental Care, the health and development of your child's smile are our top priorities. Our
goals are to help children establish a strong foundation for a lifetime of good oral health and experience the
benefits of healthy, beautiful smiles.
Excellent Oral Health Begins With Good Oral Care
All parents want what's best for their families. When good oral care, including routine
dental
checkups, start at an early age, our office can closely monitor the development and
health of your
child's smile as they grow. It's essential to keep in mind that preventive care and timely treatment for
any
emerging dental issues not only helps to ensure ongoing oral health but also supports overall
well-being, and
contributes to a positive self-image.
You can rest assured that your child's smile is in the best of hands at our office! We provide gentle
and precise
care in an environment that's comfortable, warm, and engaging. At the office of Ideal Dental Care, we
offer a
comprehensive range of dental services designed to address the dental needs of children of all ages.
Whether it's
your little one's first trip to the dentist, a routine visit, treatment for a
dental
emergency, or more, we're well equipped to provide the care that's needed.
We take a proactive approach and emphasize the importance of dental prevention as the key to good oral
health. We
provide you and your child with the resources as well as the tools to establish an effective brushing
and flossing
routine and offer nutritional guidance and advice on potentially harmful oral habits. Our entire team
strives to
make each visit with your child a positive, informative, and beneficial experience.
The Importance Of Regular Checkups And Routine Care
Studies show that children and teens lose an estimated 51 million school hours each year to dental problems.
To
help
your child maintain optimal oral health and a smile that's healthy and bright, we recommend dental checkups
and
cleanings twice a year.
As skilled and compassionate providers of care, we understand all aspects of dental development and are
sensitive to
the unique needs of children. At each periodic exam, a member of our professional team will review your
child's
medical and dental history and then perform a thorough clinical assessment of the teeth, gums, jaws, and the
surrounding oral tissues. We'll also check your child's bite, jaw alignment, and function.
Because it's vital to see what's going on below the surface, we'll take digital radiographs as needed, to
check
for
the presence of any cavities, or infection and to evaluate the position of your child's developing teeth and
the
health of jaw bone. We'll also perform a professional dental cleaning to eliminate any plaque or debris that
has
accumulated between the teeth or in hard to reach places.
Tooth Decay Is The Single Most Common Chronic Childhood Disease
At every stage of your child's development, we'll advise you on the most effective methods of keeping his or
her
teeth clean and discuss the foods, beverages, and harmful oral habits that can lead to problems. While it
can be
difficult sometimes to get children into a regular oral hygiene routine, we'll give you tips and advice on
how
to
make brushing and flossing a fun part of their daily activities. As your trusted partner you can rely on the
office
of Ideal Dental Care to keep a close watch on your child's oral health and development.
By following these simple guidelines, you can help your child maintain optimal oral health and develop a
positive
attitude towards dental care:
-
Establishing a dental partnership when your child is small
-
Keeping your baby's and toddler's teeth clean
-
Not allowing your baby to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice.
-
Bringing your child to the dentist for routine checkups and care
-
Leading by example and encouraging the recommended tooth brushing and flossing routine
-
Promoting wise dietary choices and healthy snacking, including replacing sugary drinks with water and limiting sweets
-
Providing supportive guidance to help your child put away their pacifier and stop thumb or finger sucking at the appropriate time
-
Making sure your child wears a mouthguard when playing specific sports
Your Baby's Smile
Even before your child is born, your little one's first set of teeth is already forming. As a matter of
fact, by
the
time your baby is a year old, some of the front teeth will have already emerged into place. For this reason,
it's
essential to establish an oral care routine at an early age. As per the recommendations of the American
Dental
Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, parents are encouraged to have their baby see
the
dentist around the time of their first birthday.
More On Dental Care For Children and Teens
Childhood is a time of incredible physical and emotional changes. As kids go through several stages of
development,
so do their teeth. Many things, including both genetic and environmental factors, contribute to the health
and
appearance of your child's smile. While some issues cannot be prevented, there's still a lot you can do to
help
ensure your child experiences optimal oral health and develops an attractive, functional smile. Our office
will
make
sure your children are instructed in the best methods for caring for their teeth and will provide them with
useful,
age-appropriate information on following a healthy diet as well as make them aware of which oral habits and
activities may be harmful to their teeth and overall well being.
Assessing Facial Growth And Dental Development
In addition to checking for the presence of dental disease, we also monitor your child's facial growth, jaw
development, and alignment of their smile. If orthodontic treatment is indicated, we'll advise you of our
recommendations for care. Since many children and teens wear braces, paying
extra
attention to what they eat and how they maintain their oral hygiene is of the utmost importance.
Good nutrition is essential for a healthy smile
Beyond good oral hygiene and routine dental care, a balanced, nutritious diet is essential for a healthy
smile
in a
growing child. Sticky, sugary foods and drinks are not only harmful to children's oral health but also
detrimental
to their overall well-being. A diet rich in nutrients is critical for optimal growth and development and
keeping
the
teeth and gums strong.