Miami and Coral Gables, FL
As a parent, you’re going to have questions about your child’s health and wellness—especially if you’re a first-time parent. At Miami Designer Smiles, we understand. Oral health is a vital component of good overall health. Remember, the mouth is the window to the body. Our pediatric dentists in Miami, Dr. Raul Garcia, and Dr. Conchi Sanchez-Garcia want to ensure your child is put on the road to a lifetime of good oral health. That’s why we compiled this list of some of our most frequently asked questions and answers about pediatric dentistry.
When should my child start seeing the dentist?
The answer… probably sooner than you otherwise would think. The latest recommendations from the American Dental Association advise that your child begins going to the dentist after turning one year old or their first baby tooth emerges from the gum line. Remember, that’s an either-or proposition, so you should visit your family dentist in Miami whenever one of these milestones happens. The purpose of these visits is to help your child maintain an optimal level of oral health, in addition to screening for developmental issues such as a narrow airway, tongue-tie, jaw alignment, and development, as well as tooth eruption.
How should I clean my child’s teeth?
The answer changes as your children age. For babies, a daily regimen of oral hygiene should begin as soon as birth by using a moist washcloth to wipe their gums clean after feedings and before bed. As their baby teeth erupt, use an age-appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste to brush their teeth daily. As your child grows older and can help, have them brush their own teeth. However, be sure to do a final check because children do not possess the ability to brush their teeth thoroughly until about the age of eight.
Do my children need to keep seeing the dentist every six months, even if they don’t have cavities?
Yes! In fact, keeping up with a regular schedule of dental check-ups is probably a major factor in why your children haven’t developed any cavities or tooth decay. Each of these check-ups is vital to maintaining good oral health, especially for young children. At each appointment, your child will receive a thorough professional dental cleaning, while having your Miami family dentist perform an examination of their teeth and mouth. X-rays probably will be taken at least once a year, to help track the growth and development of their teeth, mouth, face, and jaw.
Can children and teens develop gum disease?
Unfortunately, gum disease can afflict anyone of any age. While this disease is more prevalent among adults, gum disease could develop in children and adolescents due to poor oral hygiene: failing to brush daily, or not using the right technique when brushing and flossing. Watch for the warning signs of gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease, which includes gums that bleed easily, are inflamed, or red. If your child has gum disease, Miami Designer Smiles has a comprehensive program of periodontal treatment.
Pediatric Dentistry in Miami
At Miami Designer Smiles, Dr. Conchi Sanchez-Garcia oversees the vast majority of our pediatric dental program. As a mother herself, she brings the needed care and compassion to these patients. Our entire team of dental professionals will put their expertise to work for you, setting your child up for a lifetime of good oral health. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call (305) 595-4616 if you live in the areas of Miami and Coral Gables in south Florida.