What Types of Treatments Do Children's Dentists Provide?
Your child will receive a full range of children's dental care, including comprehensive exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, habit counseling (to reduce thumb sucking, for example), orthodontics, cavity prevention and repair, periodontics (to prevent and treat gum disease), emergency care for dental injuries (such as a knocked out tooth), and diagnosis of oral health conditions.
When Should My Child First See a Dentist?
The American Academy of Children's Dentistry recommends that parents should bring their infant child in for their first dental exam between the ages of six months and one year, or "first visit by first birthday." Baby teeth start to appear within the first six months. Around ages six or seven, these teeth begin to fall out to be replaced by permanent teeth. The period between six months and age seven are crucial years for a child's oral health. During this time, children are also at risk for tooth decay.
What Is Early Childhood Caries (ECC)?
Dental caries (cavities) that happen in young children are called "early childhood caries" or ECC. This is actually an infectious disease caused by bacteria that causes children to get tooth decay. If ECC is left untreated, it can cause problems even later in life. Early childhood caries are actually five times more prevalent in children than asthma, despite asthma getting much more media attention. This is why it is important that children see a dentist regularly.