A Fresh Take on Pediatric Dental Care
At our pediatric dental office in Florida and Maryland, it's time for a fresh approach to pediatric dental care. At Main Street Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we're here for families in Florida and Maryland each step of the way, offering our expertise and personalized guidance along their journey toward lifelong oral health. Our comprehensive timeline of children's dentistry provides parents like you with a better understanding of how to give your little one healthy smiles now and in the future. At our dental office, you can feel confident your child is getting caring, quality treatment at every visit. Please call today and let us help protect those precious grins wherever life takes them next.
0 - 2 years old
Your little one's oral health is an essential part of their overall well-being, so let us help you get them off to a great start. From the moment their first tooth pops up, you can foster excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with a low-fluoride toothpaste. Remember to gently clean the gumline between the new teeth with a soft cloth to remove any plaque buildup there. If your tot hasn't visited the dentist before their first birthday, now's the perfect time to book an appointment with our trusted children's dentist in Florida and Maryland. It's never too late to start on the path to a healthy mouth! And the sooner a child establishes good dental habits, the better chance they have of warding off any future dental woes.
3 - 6 years old
Congratulations, your little one is growing up, and so are their teeth. It's crucial to maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings to ensure your child's pearly whites are healthy and strong. X-rays are also necessary at this stage to check the general state of your child's mouth. Although baby teeth are temporary, preventing tooth decay is necessary to foster good dental hygiene practices, prevent premature baby tooth loss, and promote healthy growth of adult teeth.
It's common for children at this age to use a pacifier or suck their thumb. However, help them to stop these habits before the arrival of permanent teeth to avoid growth and alignment issues. If you're having difficulty helping them to break these habits, consult with your pediatric dentist for advice. We have specialized training in addressing these issues.
As your child becomes more independent, they may want to brush their teeth themselves. Encourage this healthy habit and offer your assistance to ensure they're reaching every nook and cranny in their mouth. While it can be challenging for a child this age to sit still, try to teach them the "two and two" rule — brush twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a pea-sized amount of children's toothpaste, and make sure to teach them to spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it.
You should start flossing the child's teeth as soon as you notice they have teeth that are touching each other. Plastic flossing tools can be very helpful for this. Proper timing and techniques for flossing are other aspects of a child's dental health that a pediatric dentist can assist you with.
6 - 12 years old
By now, your child should be a pro at their dental routine, brushing and flossing with ease. But don't forget the importance of regular dental visits. Your child's mouth is constantly evolving, with 20 baby teeth that will soon make way for 32 adult teeth. Around age six, they'll start losing those little pearly whites, with the first adult molars coming in behind the baby teeth. From the ages of 6 to 12, they'll have a mix of baby and adult teeth. Most children have all of their adult teeth, with the exception of their wisdom teeth, by age 12. Talk to a pediatric dentist if you're concerned about a youngster's teeth development.
To keep new molars healthy, your dentist may suggest dental sealants. These special coatings act as barriers, covering the grooves on the chewing surface of the teeth, preventing cavities from forming and stopping decay in its tracks. With sealants, you can protect back teeth from 80% of cavities.
What about orthodontic care? The American Academy of Orthodontists recommends that every child have a consultation by age 7. At this age, an orthodontist can detect any development issues and assess if there is enough room for those adult teeth to grow in. Early detection and treatment make a world of difference, so be sure to schedule that consultation. With your child's at-home dental routine and regular dental visits, their smile will shine bright.
13 years old and up
As your child enters their teenage years, maintaining a daily routine of brushing twice a day and flossing is essential. Regular dental check-ups every six months to one year at their dental office in Florida and Maryland are essential to ensure their oral health is in top shape. It's essential to reinforce the importance of good dental hygiene at this age because cavities can sneak up on anyone at any age. Teens who play sports could benefit from custom-fitted mouthguards to protect their teeth. If tooth discoloration is a concern, talk to the dentist about age-safe options for whitening. With diligent care and attention, your teenager can have a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.
At Main Street Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we have a team of pediatric dentists passionate about providing the best care for your child's dental health. From routine cleanings to treating any dental issues that may arise, our experts are equipped to provide your child with a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
If you're concerned about your child's dental development, our pediatric dentists in Florida and Maryland are here to help you create a personalized action plan tailored to your child's needs. We believe that establishing good dental habits early on is crucial, and we are committed to partnering with you to achieve that goal.
Schedule an appointment for a dental checkup and cleaning with our pediatric dentists in Florida and Maryland, and give your child the gift of a healthy and beautiful smile.
