Your child’s smile is precious, and keeping it healthy should start early! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests bringing your little one in for their first dental checkup by their first birthday. These early visits help them feel comfortable at the dentist, build great oral care habits, and set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Plus, catching any cavities or developmental concerns early means quick, simple treatment — preventing bigger issues down the road. Let Lakeside Dental in Folsom make their first visit a happy and positive experience!
What Happens at the First Checkup?
Our Lakeside dentist looks for several key factors during your child’s first dental exam:
- Jaw and Tooth Development – Proper growth ensures long-term oral health. If issues arise, the dentist creates a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.
- Tooth Decay – Cavities can develop early, sometimes reaching the inner tooth (dentin) within six months if left untreated.
The dental health of children is vital, establishing the foundation for the oral health into the future. Therefore, we ensure that their first visit with the dentist is a good one. We collaborate with you to make your child’s appointment comfortable and fun so that they want to return.
Preventive and Corrective Treatments for Children
At Lakeside Dental we may recommend the following treatments to help protect and repair your child’s teeth while supporting healthy development:
- Topical Fluoride – This strengthens tooth enamel and increases resistance to decay. Most children get enough fluoride from toothpaste and drinking water, but some need additional protection via fluoride treatments.
- Sealants – As the back teeth emerge, we recommend a thin plastic coating that covers the deeper grooves, blocking bacteria and preventing decay.
- Bonding – At times, a child’s tooth is chipped or suffers a minor fracture. Bonding resins repair damage to restore the tooth’s strength and appearance, while reducing the likelihood of further breakage.
- Root Canal Treatment – Primary teeth guide permanent teeth as they grow. Therefore, we preserve the first teeth whenever possible. When recommended, root canal therapy can save damaged or decayed baby teeth to maintain oral health and improve the outcomes for future permanent teeth.
- Orthodontic Evaluation – By age 7, dentists can identify alignment and jaw growth concerns. Early orthodontic intervention prevents more complex and expensive treatments later in life.
These are some of the common treatments that have proven effective in maintaining children’s dental health. Our Lakeside Dental team only recommends treatments that we believe are best for your child’s individual needs.
Mouthguards for Sports Protection
The American Dental Association reports that athletes without mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer tooth damage. If your child plays sports, then they should wear a custom-fitted mouthguard to prevent dental injuries. A personalized mouthguard, created from a model of your child’s teeth, provides superior protection, and prevents costly injuries.
Start Early for a Healthy Smile
Regular dental visits build strong habits and ensure early detection of potential dental problems. Schedule your child’s first appointment with Lakeside Dental in Folsom today for a lifetime of healthy smiles!
