Our goal is to have your child smile with joy throughout their lifetime. Please join us on that journey by asking questions early and often.
An extensive part of our training as specialists in children’s dentistry is on growth and development. Dr. Hill will begin with your child’s first visit to educate you on what we see now, and what you might expect in the future. These topics might include tooth eruption, ankylosis, and/or bruxism (grinding).
They can also identify crowded or crooked teeth and actively intervene to guide the teeth as they come in the mouth. Not only will this improve the look of your child’s smile, but early treatment may prevent more extensive treatment later.
Educating you about your child’s future orthodontic needs is an important task for us at Playhouse Dental. When the time is right, your child may be referred for one or more orthodontic evaluation/consults. Information is power; and we encourage your family to gather information as you decide whether to invest in your child’s smile or empower them to do it for themselves as young adults.
Typical milestones for your developing child include:
- Age 0-2 Guidance
- Two to Six Years: Throughout this age window, children can learn how to brush their own teeth with supervision or someone to check for thoroughness. Around the third birthday, introduce regular flossing to limit plaque buildup. Be sure to introduce apples, celery, dairy products, eggs and water with fluoride to the diet as a means of strengthening and protecting the teeth.
- Six to 12 Years: Although a child of this age should be capable of brushing on their own, supervision is still recommended. Kids often continue to need help, especially with flossing, until the age of 10. As adult teeth arrive, dentists often recommend applying a sealant to the newly erupted permanent teeth to protect against tooth decay and cavities. Children will also be exposed to fluoride, which supports teeth development and can be found in mouthwashes and fluoridated water. Topical applications of fluoride and fluoride varnish, which are typically applied at a dental check-up, strengthen the enamel and reduce the risk of tooth decay. This is also the age when dental professionals can determine whether or not a child could need braces.
- 12 Years and Beyond: By this age, adult teeth should be fully grown in, with dental exams confirming their presence. In the coming years, monitor closely for the eruption of wisdom teeth and have them removed if any problems arise. Also continue routine cleanings as gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.