Pediatric Dentistry

Why do children need regular dental checkups?

Starting at 6 months of age a child should get a dental check-up every 3 months until age 3 and every 6 months thereafter.

Regular dental checkups help your child’s teeth stay healthy, by preventing plaque from accumulating, and they’re also an opportunity to instill good oral care habits at a young age. The dentists at West Brazos Dental Center Brazoria teach your child about taking good care of their teeth.

Oral health problems can affect children — even baby teeth can decay, for example. And as with adults, these problems are largely preventable through regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If your child understands the importance of taking care of their teeth, they already have a head start on a lifetime of good oral health.

The experienced family dentists at West Brazos Dental Center Brazoria want your child to look forward to going to the dentist and find taking care of their teeth an enjoyable part of their routine. These positive associations can go a long way.

When your child gets older, dental checkups are a way to continue encouraging good habits. Dental checkups can also catch issues early on, including whether your child needs orthodontics.

What happens in a pediatric dental checkup?

Our team has extensive experience working with children. They know going to the dentist can be a nerve-wracking experience for a kid and are skilled in helping patients of all ages relax throughout cleanings and other procedures.

At your child’s checkup, a hygienist gently cleans your child’s teeth to remove any built-up plaque or tartar. To prevent cavities, your dentist may also provide a fluoride treatment, which strengthens your child’s teeth, or sealants, which protect your child’s growing molars from bacteria.

If your child needs to undergo an X-ray or have a cavity filled, their dentist uses adapted pediatric equipment and techniques with your child’s safety and comfort in mind.

How can children keep their teeth healthy between cleanings?

Though your child’s dentist encourages good habits at their checkup, what happens between each visit matters even more. Examples of good habits for your child to follow include:

• Brushing teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day
• Limiting or avoiding sweets, and always rinsing or brushing after eating them to prevent cavities
• Take extra care to brush and floss if they have braces
• Wearing a mouthguard if they play sports

Call 979-798-9103 to schedule an appointment for pediatric dentistry services at West Brazos Dental Center Brazoria.