Pediatric Dental Care 101: How to Protect Your Child’s Dental Health

Does your child need a dental checkup? Children have special needs when it comes to dental care. Starting as early as four months, your child’s baby teeth will begin to appear, and all twenty primary teeth will erupt by age three. You should bring your child in for a pediatric dental checkup by their first birthday to ensure their healthy tooth development. If you’re looking for a gentle and compassionate family dentist, make a pediatric dental care appointment for your child with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental today. Dr. Lopez is a highly qualified family dentist, now delivering quality care daily throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren, and the surrounding communities.

Are “Baby Teeth” Really Important?

Absolutely. If a child doesn't receive pediatric dental care when they still have baby teeth, it can often affect their developing permanent teeth. Baby teeth play several important roles. They help children chew and eat properly, they provide space for the permanent teeth to erupt in the correct positions, and they allow the normal development of the jaw bone and supporting muscles. Baby teeth also affect your child’s ability to speak properly. While your child’s front four teeth may last until age seven, the back baby teeth aren’t fully replaced until age twelve. Therefore, it’s imperative that your child’s first teeth are protected and preserved throughout their younger years.

How Often Does Your Child Need a Pediatric Dental Checkup?

Your child should receive a pediatric dental checkup and cleaning at least once every six months. Some children may actually need more frequent dental visits because of an increased risk of tooth decay. Dr. Lopez will be able to determine how often your child will need pediatric dental care to maintain good oral health. But routine dental visits should help your child stay cavity-free through adulthood. Dr. Lopez can provide professional teeth cleanings to remove the harmful plaque buildup that irritates gums and causes decay. He can offer enamel strengthening fluoride treatments and protective dental sealants and instructions to improve your child's home oral care, ultimately leading to healthier teeth and gums.

Fort Smith Pediatric Dental Care Appointments

If your child hasn't seen a dentist this year, schedule their next pediatric dental care appointment with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental today. Dr. Lopez proudly serves patients of all ages daily throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren, and the neighboring areas.