Kids Dentistry

Kids Dentistry for Your Little Ones

Dr. Triggs doesn’t just treat adults and teens, but kids as well when parents bring them to receive care at our office. Here at Alaska Dental Associates, Dr. Triggs can make sure your child’s teeth are developing correctly while teaching them about the importance of oral hygiene. Call our office today to schedule an appointment for your child!

Kids are not naturally afraid of going to the dentist. For them, a visit is just another new experience, although some might be afraid of the unknown. If you are looking for kids dentistry in Anchorage, you owe it to your child to make this brand new experience something that they can enjoy.

It is our focus at Alaska Dental Associates to make sure that your kids and your whole family can receive the treatment they need for their developing mouth and to help all parents understand what is happening and what they can do to help out during the experience.

Why Kids Dentistry?

In the same way, a pediatrician has to be trained to know the details and needs of children; a pediatric dentist has also received the necessary training to assure that your precious little ones receive treatment that is focused on meeting the specific dental needs of children. At Alaska Dental Associates, we know that it’s about more than just keeping your children’s teeth healthy. We strive to keep the entire visit from start to finish as easy, comfortable, and inviting as possible for them.

When Should My Children Begin Seeing the Dentist?

While you might be unsure about the time when you should first go ahead and see a dentist for your child’s needs, it is recommended that children come to their first visit in the first six months after the appearance of a tooth, or no later than the child’s first birthday.

Although it might seem a bit exaggerated, baby teeth are incredibly important for a child during their early development. They are necessary as they go on to learn how to chew and how to eat, and are also very important in developing their early speech. Let’s face it, a child who can eat on their own and can be heard around the house is going to be a much happier child.

By allowing their primary teeth to develop in a healthy fashion, the jaw bones and muscles will be able to develop properly. Early dental care further helps ensure the proper space and positioning for permanent teeth once they start to show up.

Effects of Neglecting Early Dental Care

A baby tooth that is lost too early in the child’s development may end up having effects on the permanent teeth, such as leading them to come in crooked. Decayed baby teeth might end up causing abscesses, infections and general pain, with some of the effects spreading to the permanent teeth that will pop-up later on, as well as being an issue for a child’s general health. Having regular checks and dental care can avoid all of these issues and other types of dental diseases that your child may be at risk of contracting.

What To Expect During Your Pediatric Dental Visit in Anchorage

During your child’s first visit, the most common procedure is a general oral exam to assess any possible risks, to see the growth of the first teeth, and to begin building up their dental record for future visits. Later on, you might find there are various treatments that your child will take, depending on their needs and the development of their teeth.

Fluoride Treatment

Using fluoride usually constitutes one of the first steps toward building the necessary tooth protection. While topical fluoride is already very commonplace, being used in toothpaste and mouth rinses, we might find that using systemic fluoride is necessary to assure the wellbeing of the teeth. This one is much stronger and tends to be restricted to professionals. The treatment is straightforward, requiring only a couple of minutes. Most important is that afterward, your kid avoids eating, rinsing or drinking for 30 minutes at least, so that the teeth can absorb the fluoride.

Dental Sealants

While brushing is an incredibly important factor of health, there are certainly harder to reach spots that the tips of a toothbrush just can’t reach, especially for kids who are still developing their teeth. If these grooves are left alone, they can end up developing tooth decay. In order to avoid any potential issues arising, we sometimes recommend using sealants to provide the extra protection that is needed.

Sealants are a resin made of plastic that bonds in the deep grooves, hardening to make the tooth completely smooth, and less likely to host malicious plaque. Thanks to sealants, your child will find that brushing their teeth is a lot easier.

Encouraging Good Brushing Habits in Children

A child’s mouth is different than that of an adult, and as such, they require special toothbrushes designed for them in order to avoid causing extra harm and properly reach all surfaces. Brushes for children should have soft, rounded bristles for their safety. In the beginning, you’ll have to brush your child’s teeth, using only a small bit of toothpaste, but by age 2 – 3 they should begin learning how to brush teeth with your assistance. Once you are confident that your child is familiar with how to brush properly, you can allow them to do so on their own.

For toddlers, you might find that teaching them how to brush their teeth is difficult, but there are certain things you can do to ease the process. By brushing your teeth with them, and letting your child pick their favorite toothbrush you will provide your young one a feeling of control. Coming up with a brushing routine early on in their life is a sure-fire way to assure proper dental hygiene for the rest of their lives.

Kids Dental Visits in Anchorage Made Painless

Even if you might be thinking that the experience can be somewhat nerve-wracking for kids, we often find that it is adults that are most nervous. Remember that children are blank slates when it comes to new experiences. They will get their first impressions from what they hear from others.

If you are feeling nervous about your child’s first appointment, or if you yourself experience dental anxiety, we suggest you try to avoid showing your child your anxiety so that they don’t enter the doors already scared of what might happen.

Why Choose Alaska Dental Associates 

The most important thing you can do is to have fun when you’re coming. Let your little ones know that the dentist is here to help them stay happy and healthy. Your child’s reaction to their first visit to the dentist may end up going smoother than you imagine. The professional, child-friendly staff at Alaska Dental Associates is here to make kids dentistry in Anchorage a painless experience that develops a lifelong appreciation for dental hygiene at the youngest age possible. Contact us today to schedule your child’s appointment.

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