Every parent wants the best for their children, and that includes ensuring they have a healthy smile. Starting good oral care habits early in life can help us closely monitor your child's dental development and overall health. Preventive care and timely treatment of any dental issues not only contribute to ongoing oral health but also support overall well-being and positive self-esteem.
At our office, we prioritize dental prevention as the cornerstone of good oral health. We provide you and your child with resources and tools to establish effective brushing and flossing routines, offer nutritional guidance, and help you recognize any potentially damaging oral habits. Our team is committed to making every visit with your child informative, positive, and beneficial.
Studies show that children lose over 51 million school hours each year due to dental problems. To help maintain optimal oral health and a bright, healthy smile for your child, we recommend scheduling routine dental checkups and cleanings twice a year.
As skilled and compassionate providers of care, we understand the ins and outs of pediatric dental development and are sensitive to your child's unique needs. During periodic exams, we'll review your child's medical and dental history and conduct a thorough clinical assessment of their teeth, gums, jaws, and surrounding oral tissues. We'll also evaluate their bite, jaw alignment, and function.
Digital radiography will help us check for the presence of any cavities or infections, as well as assess the positioning of your child's developing teeth and the health of the jawbone. A professional dental cleaning will eliminate any plaque buildup or debris between the teeth or in hard-to-reach areas.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic childhood disease. Over 50% of 5-9 year olds have at least one cavity or filling, with that percentage rising to 78% among 17 year olds. Although cavities can develop at any age, children are particularly susceptible due to unhealthy dietary habits and inadequate oral hygiene practices.
In light of these factors, we often recommend additional protective measures such as periodic fluoride treatments and dental sealants application. While fluoride promotes the remineralization of tooth enamel, dental sealants create a durable, thin coating on the biting surfaces of back teeth to shield their deep crevices from decay.
At every stage of your child's growth, we'll offer guidance and advice on maintaining clean teeth and discuss which foods, beverages, and oral habits may pose risks to their dental health. We'll help you make brushing and flossing a fun part of their daily activities and provide tips and strategies for making these routines enjoyable and stress-free. You can rely on our office as your trusted partner in maintaining your child's optimal oral health and development.
Even before your baby is born, their first set of teeth is already forming. By the time they turn one year old, some of their front teeth may have emerged. Establishing an oral care routine early in life is crucial. As per the recommendations of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, parents should bring their baby to see a dentist around their first birthday.
Childhood is a time of rapid growth and change, both physically and emotionally. As your child navigates various stages of development, so too do their teeth. A variety of factors – including genetic and environmental influences – contribute to the health and appearance of your child's smile. While some issues may be unavoidable, there are many steps you can take to promote optimal oral health and a functional, attractive smile for your growing child.
We'll provide your children with guidance on proper oral care techniques and share age-appropriate information on maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding activities that may harm their teeth or overall well-being. Our office will monitor your child's facial growth, jaw development, and alignment of their smile. Should orthodontic treatment be necessary, we'll discuss our recommendations for care.
Beyond diligent oral hygiene practices and routine dental visits, a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is essential for supporting optimal growth and development while keeping your child's teeth and gums strong. Avoiding sticky, sugary foods and beverages is not only beneficial to children's oral health but also promotes overall well-being.
Given the active lifestyles of many children, accidents such as hits or blows to the mouth or teeth may occur. These types of injuries can happen at home, in the playground, or on the sports field. Common dental emergencies include soft tissue lacerations of the lips, cheeks, or tongue, as well as chipped, fractured, dislodged, or knocked-out teeth. Dental pain, infections, and mouth ulcers are also common reasons for children to seek urgent dental care.
At Tracy Taddey, DDS, John Taddey, DDS, we understand the importance of swift, reliable treatment when dealing with dental emergencies. Our goal is to alleviate any associated discomfort, restore optimal oral health, and prevent further complications from developing.
To ensure your child receives prompt care for their dental emergency, give our office a call right away!
