As a parent, you know how difficult it can be to raise a family; it just seems like there is never enough time to do everything that needs to be done. So, when it comes to your child’s oral health and scheduling dental visits for your family, it might prove difficult. Fortunately, the expert dental team at Athens Oconee Dentistry is equipped to provide dental care for your entire family, making it more convenient for all of you to achieve oral health.
Because good oral health habits should begin as soon as your child is born, it’s essential to find a reliable children’s dentist you can trust. That way, you can start to formulate dental hygiene routines and normalize trips to the dentist from an early age. In this parent’s guide to children’s dentistry, we will delve into everything you need to know to ensure happy dental visits and oral health for your children.
Children’s Dentistry Timeline
You would be mistaken if you think you should wait until your child is a toddler before you visit your Watkinsville children’s dentist. In fact, we recommend you schedule your child’s first dental appointment when they are approximately six months old. This is typically when their first tooth erupts, so it’s a great time to acclimate your child to the dentist’s office.
Your child should begin to visit the dentist every six months as soon as they have two teeth next to each other. At this point, you are probably still brushing their teeth for them, but you should gradually teach them to brush and floss their own teeth when they are approximately seven years old.
Choosing a Family or Pediatric Dentist in Watkinsville
You know how going to the dentist can cause anxiety, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that many children are intimidated by the dentist’s office. That’s why choosing a children’s dentist who understands how to make your child comfortable and keep them calm is imperative.
Our dental team is extremely patient with children, and we will spend as much time as necessary to decrease their anxiety, answer their questions, and help them adjust to the dental environment. Once your child sees that going to the dentist isn’t scary, they will be more likely to build strong, lifelong dental habits.
At Athens Oconee Dentistry, we want to form a relationship with your child that lasts a lifetime.
Build Strong Dental Habits
When your child visits our dental office, you probably expect us to clean their teeth and look for any dental issues, but we do more than that. We aim to teach them important dental health habits. Often, the outside reinforcement we provide, combined with what you’re encouraging them to do at home, can help improve their dental practices.
So, we work together with you to help your child build strong brushing and flossing routines!
Children’s Dental Procedures
At Athens Oconee Dentistry, we can provide your child with several dental procedures, but regularly scheduled checkups and cleanings are the most essential preventive measures. We use these dental appointments to examine your child’s teeth and gums, looking for signs of tooth decay or other issues.
If we discover any dental concerns, we will form a treatment plan for your child that provides the best care possible.
Tips and Tricks for Parents
When you are between dental visits, there are many things you can do to encourage your child to practice effective dental hygiene and keep their mouths as healthy as possible. These include:
Limit sugar – Limit the sugary snacks and drinks your child consumes. When your child eats or drinks sugar, they are more susceptible to tooth decay. When they eat or drink something that contains sugar, have them brush their teeth when finished.
Watch for acids – Many popular drinks are very acidic, so if your child drinks anything that contains acid, it can weaken their tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay. So, encourage your child to drink water and eat fruits and vegetables instead of drinking fruit juice and other acidic beverages.
Make brushing fun – To make it more fun, try playing music when it’s time for your child to brush their teeth. Set a timer and make a game out of brushing, seeing who can brush the longest. Brush with your kids so they can see that you value oral health; your kids love to spend time with you, so brushing together is a great way to spend quality time with them while maintaining your oral health.
Reward your child – Use stickers or other rewards to encourage your child to brush and floss their teeth. Kids love positive reinforcement, so consider associating dental hygiene habits with a reward for your child.
Do You Need a Children’s Dentist in Watkinsville, GA?
If you have questions about children’s dentistry in Watkinsville, GA, or if you would like to schedule a dental appointment, we welcome your call! At Athens Oconee Dentistry, our goal is to help your entire family achieve the best oral health possible. We can’t wait to help you make that happen. You can reach us at (706) 549-2440 for more information.