Dentists often urge adult patients to visit regularly for routine cleanings and examinations, which are important for keeping gum disease and tooth decay at bay. But what about children? Just as their parents do, children need to visit their dentist regularly as well to maintain a healthy smile. Preventative dentistry is essential for patients of all ages, even babies, to ensure a lifetime of beautiful smiles!
When should I bring my child to the dentist?
The first dental visit should occur around the age of one, or as soon as the first baby tooth erupts from the gums. During this first visit, Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen of Broadway Family Dentistry will take the time to get to know you and your child. This visit will also include an initial examination to monitor the development of the child’s smile. Parents are educated on how to help their baby or child care for their smile until their adult teeth arrive. Once a child is established as a patient at our practice, we strongly recommend routine visits every six months to evaluate the smile and monitor for any potential problems.
Why is a checkup important?
Early detection and intervention of certain dental concerns, including cavities and disease, can help maintain a healthy smile. Children with cavities in their “baby teeth” will still need to undergo treatment to avoid premature tooth loss. The care of the smile in the early stages may also impact the alignment of the teeth as the come through the gum line. Our team will also look for signs of inflammation of the gum tissue, which may indicate the early stages of gum disease. Babies and children diagnosed with dental concerns will need to visit their dentist for treatment as soon as possible to avoid the issue becoming more severe with time.
Interested in getting your children into our practice for dental care?
The team at Broadway Family Dentistry is always accepting new patients and families. Schedule an appointment by calling (701) 839-1299 and visiting the office located at 1839 South Broadway Street in Minot, ND. Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen are here to assist patients young and old with preventative dentistry solutions!