As parents, we all want our children to be healthy and happy. Part of achieving that is maintaining good oral health right from the start. By instilling good oral care habits in your child from a young age, you can ensure their teeth and gums stay strong and healthy as they grow into adulthood.
We believe that prevention is the key to maintaining optimal oral health. That's why we provide you and your child with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to establish an effective brushing and flossing routine at home. We also offer nutritional guidance and advice on potentially harmful oral habits.
Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health. Studies show that children and teens lose an estimated 51 million school hours each year due to dental problems. To help your child maintain optimal oral health, we recommend scheduling dental checkups and cleanings twice a year.
As experienced providers of care, we understand all aspects of dental development and are sensitive to the unique needs of children. At every appointment, we'll review your child's medical and dental history and perform a thorough clinical assessment of their teeth, gums, jaws, and surrounding oral tissues. We'll also check your child's bite, jaw alignment, and function.
We use digital radiography to evaluate the position of your child's developing teeth and the health of the jawbone. We'll also perform a professional dental cleaning to eliminate any plaque or debris accumulated between the teeth or in hard-to-reach places.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease. Over 50 percent of 5-9 year-old children have at least one cavity or filling, with that proportion increasing to 78 percent among 17-year-olds. While cavities can develop at any age, children are especially susceptible due to dietary habits and ineffective oral hygiene routines.
To provide added protection against tooth decay, we may prescribe periodic fluoride treatments or apply dental sealants to the back teeth. Fluoride helps to re-mineralize tooth enamel, while sealants create a durable, thin coating on the biting surfaces of the teeth to shield them from decay.
We'll provide you with helpful tips and advice on maintaining your child's oral health at home. We'll also guide you on making brushing and flossing a fun part of their daily routine. As your trusted partner, we're committed to keeping a close watch on your child's oral health and development.
From the moment they are born, your child's teeth are already forming. By the time they reach their first birthday, some of their front teeth will have emerged into place. It's essential to establish an oral care routine at an early age to ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy as they grow.
Childhood is a time of incredible growth and change. As your child goes through various stages of development, so do their teeth. 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.
We'll provide your children with the knowledge they need to care for their teeth effectively and make wise dietary choices. We'll also monitor their facial growth, jaw development, and alignment of their teeth. If orthodontic treatment is needed, we'll advise you on the best options for care.
Beyond good oral hygiene and routine dental care, a balanced, nutritious diet is essential for maintaining optimal oral health in a growing child. Sticky, sugary foods and drinks are not only harmful to children's teeth but also detrimental to their overall well-being. A diet rich in nutrients helps support healthy growth and development and keeps the teeth and gums strong.
Accidents can happen at any time, especially when children are involved in sports or other physical activities. Common dental injuries include soft tissue lacerations of the lips, cheeks, or tongue; chipped, fractured, dislodged, or "knocked out" teeth; and painful toothaches, dental infections, and mouth ulcers.
If your child experiences a dental emergency, you can rely on our office to provide prompt, compassionate care. Our goal is to alleviate any discomfort and prevent more severe consequences to their dental health and overall well-being.
By following these simple guidelines, you can help your child maintain optimal oral health and develop a positive attitude toward dental care:
At Tracy Taddey, DDS, John Taddey, DDS, our dedicated staff is committed to helping you and your family achieve optimal oral health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
