General Dental Care For Kids In Houston

Dental care for your kids sets the stage for healthy teeth throughout their lives. Children should also visit a dentist well ahead of their baby teeth becoming loose.

Dr. Brant says, “I recommend that children first visit the dentist around two to three years of age and it really depends on the child and their personality. If you slowly introduce them to the dental office and make it fun, then the child will have a positive experience. The last thing that you would want to do is to come for an emergency for their first dental visit. This could be the start of a dental phobia that some adults still have.”

What Kids Should Expect at the Dentist

Many children are apprehensive about visiting the dentist. Some children have unpleasant memories, while others are frightened by their first visit. For this reason, many dentists recommend visiting the dentist early and often. Schedule an appointment near your child’s first birthday or immediately after their first tooth erupts.

An early dental visit allows your child to meet your dentist, become familiar with the dental office, and give your dentist the opportunity to meet your child. Your dentist will see any early signs of problems that may arise in the future. Improper growth can be corrected, and signs that your child may need braces or other concerns can be seen early on.

The American Dental Association, or the ADA, recommends that a child be seen by a dentist within six months of the first baby teeth appearing.  It goes on to recommend that this first visit absolutely take place before the child turns one year of age.  The American Dental Association also recommends that a child have regular brushings twice a day from the time the first baby teeth appear.  This is important whether a child is bottle-feeding or breastfeeding, especially at bedtime.

The Facts About Baby Teeth

Baby teeth will begin to come in around the age of four months, and they will all have come in more than likely by the age of three.  Children will then go on through adolescence and begin to lose them around the age of six or seven, and they will be replaced by permanent ones.  Every child is unique, so this may happen at different stages and ages.  There is nothing to be alarmed about if a child doesn’t fall into this particular schedule.  If there are questions or concerns, the parent can discuss this with the family dentist.

Losing teeth is a great milestone in any child’s life, and they get really excited about it! But don’t forget: It can take years to see all their baby teeth replaced. It’s not unusual for a young person to lose that stubborn last baby tooth in their teenage years.

Every child is different and kids start to lose their “baby teeth” at different ages. Dr. Dale Brant of Ingenious Dentistry says, “Children generally begin to lose their baby teeth somewhere between five to seven years of age, but some children as young as four years of age can start to lose their baby teeth.”

Brushing is essential from the time baby teeth become visible and throughout life. Kids should continue brushing their teeth even when they notice wiggly teeth. Still, they should try to be gentle so teeth come out when they’re ready. Brushing too hard can agitate gums, and is a bad habit to develop.

Primary Teeth

Baby teeth are also referred to as primary teeth.  They are extremely important in a child’s overall oral health and development because they act as place keepers in the gum and jaw for the permanent ones that will take their place in a few years.  This is why a child’s oral health is important, starting at birth.

With regular checkups and cleanings, a child is off on the right path to superior oral health from an early age.  This is important because a healthy mouth is important.

Tooth Adventures: Helping Kids Losing Baby Teeth

The first time your child starts to feel a loose tooth, he or she might be scared or excited. As soon as that first tooth starts feeling loose, it’s time to explain that this is a natural part of everyone’s life – and that they’re starting to grow up!

There are some important things to remember about kids and baby teeth:

Keep Wiggling a Loose Tooth

Once a tooth starts wiggling, it’s tough for kids to keep their tongues away. That’s normal and it’s not a bad thing!

In some cases, however, baby teeth do not become loose.

Dr. Brant says, “Most baby teeth will get loose on their own and this is caused by the pressure of the erupting adult teeth that eat away at the root of the baby tooth. Sometimes this does not happen due to the angulation of the erupting adult tooth. The root of the baby tooth does not melt away and the baby tooth will not become loose. At that time a decision to extract the baby tooth may be made…my only recommendation is once the tooth starts to get loose the child should try and move the tooth back and forth to speed up the process.”

Ingenious Dentistry – The Expert in General Dentistry for Kids

Most kids lose their baby teeth with no problems. However, if no baby teeth are lost by age seven, it’s time to investigate why. X-rays can discover issues with dental health and tooth alignment that may be affecting the baby’s teeth.

Visit Ingenious Dentistry for all your dental needs – it’s the family-friendly dentist in Houston kids love.

“We are always happy to see young children and to clean their teeth,” Dr. Brant says. “We strive to make their visits positive experiences that will encourage them to practice good oral care throughout their lives.”

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Our Patient Reviews

“I hate going to the dentist, always have! This is the first time that I had such a pleasurable experience that I’m looking forward to go back. The doctor and his staff are very courteous and knowledgeable. The way these people treat their clients is first class. They are very thorough in their dental service. I highly recommend this place!❤️”

— Erika S.

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