Dentistry for Children
At Guildford Family Dentistry, we make trips to the dentist fun and easy for the whole family! We are proud to provide comprehensive, preventative care, and to help kids to develop good oral hygiene habits early that will keep them smiling for their entire lives.
Why is dentistry for children important?
Prevention is key! We teach oral health principles and instill effective habits from a young age, to ensure that children develop a solid foundation before their adult teeth grow. Developing healthy habits early results in fewer oral health concerns in adulthood. Additionally, children have unique oral health needs and concerns, like the need to strengthen developing enamel to prevent cavities, ensuring baby teeth maintain space for permanent teeth, and braces for a straight smile. Our experienced team will confidently help your children through all stages of their dental needs.
When should children start going to the dentist?
Children should have their first dental appointment by the age of one. It is important that childrens’ newly growing teeth receive proper dental care and supervision. The benefits of developing a solid foundation of oral hygiene early cannot be overstated.
The first visit to the dentist is usually a short, simple appointment. We generally focus on getting to know your child, letting them play in the dental chair, and giving you some basic information about dental care. We will check your child’s teeth for placement and health and look for any potential problems with the gums and jaw. During this time, we can also answer any questions that you have about how to care for your child’s teeth as they continue to develop.
We recommend that children return for checkups every six months, to ensure that their teeth and gums stay healthy. Because oral health can impact general health, these checkups will also allow us to detect other health issues early. Although baby teeth do not last as long as permanent teeth, your child’s first teeth play an important part in their overall development. The first set of teeth help children to speak, smile, and chew correctly. These teeth also hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth. If a baby’s tooth is lost too early, nearby teeth may move toward that space, which can result in crooked permanent teeth.
No matter your age or oral health needs, our passionate team is committed to providing personalized, holistic dental care that meets your family’s needs and oral health goals. Thank you for considering us to be a part of your childrens’ dental care journey. We look forward to helping them to develop healthy oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime!