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Early Dental Care Makes a Big Difference for Kids

Raising your child includes taking care of their dental health. Even though kids eventually lose their baby teeth, dentistry for children is important to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral risk factors that can impact the formation of adult teeth. Early visits to the dentist also get kids into the routine of dental visits and establish good oral health care habits that last a lifetime.

Learn More About Pediatric Dentistry at Community Dental of Walled Lake

Pediatric dentistry specializes in providing dental treatment for children. Infants and young kids experience dental visits in entirely different ways than adults do, and they require unique distractions, gentle reassurance, and kid-sized dental tools for a successful result.

Many parents wonder when their child should start visiting the dentist. The recommendation is that kids should have their first appointment by their first birthday, or within six months of getting their first tooth. Infant dentistry presents tricky challenges that pediatric specialists are uniquely qualified to address: babies cry at the first sign of aggravation, and they’re unresponsive to requests to open their mouths.

Pediatric dental services we provide include:

  • Oral exams
  • Teeth cleanings
  • Repair of tooth cavities or defects
  • Treatment for injuries of the teeth, gums, and soft tissue of the mouth
  • Risk assessment for dental caries, an infectious dental disease
  • Bite assessments
  • Habit counseling for pacifier use and thumb sucking
  • Early assessment for orthodontics
  • Preventive care such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants
  • Diagnosis and management of other oral health issues

When you schedule an appointment, you’ll be asked your child’s age, as younger kids often require a longer appointment. Parents are encouraged to join children in the exam room, in order to facilitate effective communication regarding all aspects of their child’s pediatric dental care. The presence of a parent can also make a child feel more comfortable during the appointment. After a few uneventful trips to the dentist, your child will feel much more comfortable about the process.

Contact Us Today

Don’t delay in starting or maintaining dental care for your child. Contact us today to schedule your child’s first — or next — pediatric dental appointment. Every kid deserves a healthy, happy smile!