A Fresh Approach to Children's Dental Care
Welcome to our pediatric dental practice in Virginia Beach, where we strive for a fresh approach to children's dental care. As a parent, you know the importance of giving your little ones the best start in life, including taking care of their teeth. Understanding how to care for your child's teeth at every stage of their development can help prevent many dental problems down the road. Our team of caring and experienced professionals is dedicated to helping your child establish good oral habits from a young age so that they can enjoy a lifetime of happy and healthy smiles. Come visit us at Konikoff Pediatric Dentistry in Virginia Beach and see the difference a fresh approach to children's dental care can make. Our timeline of children's dental care will leave you feeling confident that you're providing the best care possible for their oral health.
0 - 2 years old
When it comes to caring for your baby's teeth and gums, the earlier you start, the brighter their smile will shine. From the very first tooth that erupts, you can establish excellent dental hygiene habits by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Don't forget to clean the gumline between those tiny teeth with a soft washcloth to whisk away any pesky plaque buildup.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association recommend scheduling your child's first dental checkup near their first birthday or around the time their first tooth comes in, so don't delay — book an appointment today! By starting early, your little one can develop a comfortable relationship with the dentist and get a great start on establishing lifelong oral health habits.
3 - 6 years old
Your child's baby teeth should be growing in nicely during these years. It's important to continue regular dental exams and cleanings every six months with a pediatric dentist. During these visits, your child's dentist will also take X-rays to assess the overall health of their mouth. Preventing tooth decay is crucial during this time, and paying careful attention to dental care protects those baby teeth and sets the foundation for healthy dental habits that benefit their adult teeth.
As your child grows, it's natural for them to develop habits like sucking their thumb or using a pacifier. However, it's important to break these habits before their permanent teeth come in to prevent growth and alignment problems. This is also a great age for your child to start taking more responsibility for their own dental care. Encourage them to brush their teeth in the morning and at night, but make sure to supervise and help as needed to ensure they are brushing every spot.
6 - 12 years old
Your child is now at an age where they can take charge of their dental hygiene routine. Regular visits to the dentist are still crucial to keep those pearly whites shining and healthy. As your child's mouth continues to change and grow, staying on top of any issues that arise is essential.
Around this age, your child might start losing their baby teeth and getting excited for the arrival of their adult teeth. But did you know that the first adult teeth to come in are molars? Molars are also the teeth most susceptible to tooth decay — nine out of 10 cavities occur in molars. To help safeguard those healthy new teeth from cavities, your dentist may recommend dental sealants. These special coatings are quick and painless for a dentist to apply, and they act as a shield on the chewing surfaces of molars. Sealants prevent 80% of cavities in those hard-to-reach areas in the two years after they are applied, and they continue to protect teeth from decay for years afterward.
The American Academy of Orthodontists suggests that every child should have an orthodontic consultation by age 7 to identify any issues early on and ensure there's enough space for all 32 adult teeth to grow in properly. So, keep up the brushing and flossing routine, and schedule those regular check-ups with your child's dentist and orthodontist. Together, we can keep your child's smile bright and healthy for many years to come.
13 years old and up
Welcome to the teenage years! Your child is experiencing a lot of changes, and naturally, dental health is still an integral part of their overall well-being. It's important to remind your teen to continue their daily dental routine of brushing and flossing twice a day. If they are wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances, they need to be especially on top of their at-home dental care and might benefit from orthodontic-specific tooth-cleaning tools. Even though teens tend to feel invincible, cavities can develop at any time, so it's important to encourage them to maintain good dental habits. Visits to their dentist in Virginia Beach every six months are crucial for ensuring that their teeth and gums are healthy and that any potential problems are detected early. In addition to routine cleanings, your teenager's dentist may recommend additional treatments, such as fluoride treatments or dental sealants, to provide extra protection against cavities.
At Konikoff Pediatric Dentistry, our pediatric dentists strive to be superheroes of dental care, dedicated to keeping your children's teeth and gums healthy for life. Every dental issue is manageable for our expert team, and we're always here to help you create the perfect plan for your child's dental health.
If you're worried that your child may be falling behind on their dental journey, don't worry! Our pediatric dentists in Virginia Beach are ready to assess their needs and create a customized action plan to get them back on track. After all, good dental hygiene is essential for an optimally healthy life, and we believe in starting early for the best results.
Give your child the gift of great dental care by scheduling a cleaning and exam with our pediatric dentist today. They'll leave with a sparkling smile and the knowledge they need to keep their teeth and gums in tip-top shape for years to come.
