Infant Dental Care Gaithersburg Pediatric Dentist GaithersburgPediatric dentists are trained to provide information in a way that is accessible and understandable for both parents and their children. Although it isn't essential to take your child to a pediatric rather than a general dentist, it may help your child if they are particularly anxious, as a pediatric dentist is more sensitive to their needs. The emphasis here at MVP Smiles is on friendly and fun, which will instill positive feelings in your child that will hopefully make them look forward to going to the dentist, as a child and into adulthood. Importance of Infant Dental CareWhile it might seem trivial to prioritize your child's baby teeth, these tiny teeth play a crucial role in your child's oral development. They aid in essential functions like biting, chewing, and speaking, while also ensuring that there's adequate space reserved for the permanent teeth. Although adult teeth are present from birth, they're not fully formed until later. Baby teeth serve as a sort of "placeholder" until the underlying adult tooth is ready to emerge. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely due to decay or damage, it can lead to misalignment issues with the incoming adult tooth. When Should My Child Visit The Dentist?Both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advise scheduling the first dental visit before your child's first birthday, emphasizing the importance of early intervention in dental care. Lap visits are generally reserved for your child's first few visits. Lap visits are typically used in toddlers up to the age of three, for simple oral exams and cleanings. While some minor procedures can be completed during a lap visit, this is determined on a case-by-case basis and what best meets the needs of your child. As long as you practice good oral hygiene with your child and schedule regular dental exams, it is unlikely that they will need more than cleanings during the first few years of their life. Lap visits are a great tool that our team at MVP Smiles utilizes to aid your child in developing trust with our team while also reducing your stress and anxiety. encouraging positive oral health habitsFor many children, a lap visit will also be their first visit ever, so it can be worth going over a few of the things you should keep in mind before coming in. One of the biggest things you can do is normalize the sensation of a finger or small objects in their mouths. This can be easily done by getting into the habit of wiping down their gums with a small gauze towelette that is slightly moist, which also helps to keep their gums clean. As soon as their first tooth comes in, begin to brush it. Doing both of these things will mean that your child is not taken aback during a professional exam. Establishing good dental habits early is key to lifelong oral health. Tooth decay can set in as soon as the first tooth erupts, underscoring the importance of regular brushing and dental checkups to maintain cleanliness and health. By instilling these habits in your child from an early age, you're setting them up for success in managing their dental care as they grow older. Don't delay—take proactive steps to safeguard your child's dental health from the start! Come in and See Us!Schedule an appointment for your child with MVP Smiles today by calling us at (240) 981-4020. |
