If you’re a parent, you may have some questions about how to care for your child’s teeth properly, and The Little Royals: Dentistry for Kids is here to help. In this blog, we’ll answer a few questions that parents commonly ask when they come to our office and see Dr. Sal or Dr. Yasi for their child’s pediatric dental appointment.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, kids should visit the dentist for the first time when they turn one year old, or whenever their first tooth starts to come out.
But even if you have an older child, now is the best time to start seeing the dentist! Regular six-month cleanings are essential for keeping your child’s smile healthy and strong, and monitoring their oral development.
If you have a younger child (1-2 years), Dr. Sal or Dr. Yasi will perform a “lap exam.” You’ll hold your child in your lap, and they will gently clean your child’s mouth, examine their gums and teeth, and discuss their oral health with you.
Kids who are 2-3 years old and have most or all of their teeth will get a standard teeth cleaning and oral exam, just like an adult. A hygienist will clean their teeth, polish them with a brush, and floss to remove any remaining debris, then Dr. Sal or Dr. Yasi will examine their mouth.
Yes. Dental x-rays have been proven to be completely safe for kids of all ages, and at The Little Royals, we use the latest digital x-ray technology to minimize exposure to radiation.
We also will only recommend x-rays if we believe they are necessary, and will always get your consent before taking x-rays of your child’s mouth.
There are a few signs that your child may need braces, like an obvious overbite or underbite, or issues with their teeth alignment, but it’s not always easy to tell on your own. The best way to find out if your child needs braces is with an orthodontic exam. At The Little Royals, we typically recommend that kids get an orthodontic exam before the age of 6 to ensure their mouths are developing properly.
This is a common question. And the answer is “yes!” Baby teeth matter, and it’s very important to maintain a good at-home oral hygiene routine to keep your child’s baby teeth healthy.
The baby teeth start to fall out at around the age of 6, but some baby teeth won’t be replaced by permanent teeth until the age of 12-13, so healthy baby teeth are essential for a strong, healthy smile as your child grows.
Not only that, but the baby teeth help create the “paths” that adult teeth follow when they start to emerge. If your child loses one or more baby teeth prematurely, this can cause issues with their oral health and development.
As a parent, we know that you probably have a lot of questions about how to care for your little one’s mouth. The best way to get the answers you need is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sal or Dr. Yasi Colombo. Contact us online or give us a call at (561) 510-1450 to get started, and get answers to all of the questions you have about pediatric dental care!
