There is a lot to learn after having a child, but perhaps one of the less obvious skills is becoming an expert scheduler. You’re responsible for scheduling a little person’s entire day — meal time, playtime, and more. And that includes scheduling all of their medical and dental checkups.
When it’s time for your child to start seeing a dentist, come visit us at Dentistry for Children, with offices in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada. Board-certified pediatric dentist Maryam Sina, DDS, and the rest of our staff are dedicated to providing quality care that meets the individualized needs of every child.
Dr. Sina has over 25 years of experience working with children, and she offers this guide on when to bring your child to the dentist and what to expect from pediatric dentistry.
When you need to start
Your child’s dental journey begins with their very first tooth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child see a pediatric dentist when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever occurs first. Most children have their first tooth erupt between 6-12 months, and baby teeth are vulnerable to tooth decay. This first dental visit can help you learn how to care for your child’s growing number of teeth while also serving as a dental checkup.
How often should I take my child to the dentist?
From ages 1-2, you may have more irregular dentist appointments as more teeth erupt. But you should start taking your child to the dentist every six months around age 2.
As your child grows
Between ages 4-6, we begin to add in X-rays at your child’s appointment to look for cavities and other issues you might recognize from adult dentistry. You should keep your child on a twice-yearly schedule for as long as you manage their oral health.
We also let you know when it’s time for an orthodontic evaluation. Most children don’t need braces until their pre-teen years, but orthodontic care can work hand-in-hand with pediatric dentistry.
Why pediatric dentistry?
Much like the pediatrician who cares for your child during well-child exams, pediatric dentists are specifically qualified to work with children. All pediatric dentists undergo 2-3 years of specialty training after dental school and limit their practice to children.
Pediatric dentists are also experts on getting your child accustomed to visiting the dentist by using non-threatening techniques and language. We help your child build confidence with the goal of reducing dental anxiety.
What we offer
We know you want the best for your child. That’s why we offer comprehensive care and use state-of-the-art technology, including Waterlase iPlus™ lasers. This system has over 80 uses and provides a thorough cleaning without the drills, scalpels, and needles you may associate with dental work. Other services include:
- Teeth cleanings and fluoride treatments
- Comprehensive dental exams
- Fillings, crowns, and root canals
- Tooth extractions
- Invisalign® clear aligners and other orthodontic treatments
- Emergency dental care, including traumatic injury treatment
- Sedation dentistry
- Laser dentistry
- Frenectomy surgery for tongue-tied babies
We can handle all of your child’s oral health needs.
Pediatric dental care is the first step toward a lifelong relationship with dentistry. Dentistry for Children makes sure your child gets the care they deserve in a comfortable setting. Contact our Las Vegas or Henderson office today.
