Are you a couple awaiting your first child? Are you a family of five with kids who have a range of dental needs?
Do you want to find a family dentist who can treat every member of your family?
If you live in or near Lexington, KY, you can find three such places. Beaumont Family Dentistry has offices in Beaumont Centre Circle, Leestown, and Hamburg.
You can make an appointment at any of our locations for you and every member of your family. We will be happy to answer your questions, and that’s exactly what will be doing in today’s post.
◼︎ What does a family dentist do?
A family dentist provides for the general dental care needs of every member of your family. We welcome parents to bring their children to see us starting around 2 years of age.
We will do a check-up if your child it up to it, but we also use this visit to help your son or daughter get used to our office and our staff. We have found that this helps to make dental care easier for everyone down the road.
We encourage every member of your family to visit us a couple times each year for professional cleanings and examinations. We take X-rays to monitor any changes in your teeth.
We will let you know if we find any problems and what you can do to address them.
◼︎ When should you start oral care for your child?
The day he or she is born is a good time to start. You may be wondering what you do before a child has teeth.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests using a moist cloth to wipe your baby’s gums each day.
Once your child’s first tooth erupts, you will need an appropriately-sized soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a small amount of toothpaste, about the size of a pea, and gently scrub the tooth a couple times each day.
Continue this routine as more teeth emerge. You can begin gently flossing between your child’s teeth once two teeth are next to one another.
◼︎ When should children start brushing their own teeth?
In general, children should start brushing and flossing between the ages of 2 and 5. Often children will indicate that they are ready to start doing this for themselves.
Around age 2, you will want to start using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. A good way to teach your child how to brush and floss is to do those things with them. By imitating you, they can learn the proper ways to brush and floss.
Remember to brush your teeth two times each day for two minutes at a time. Make sure your children scrub their teeth on all sides and spit out the toothpaste when they are finished. Scrubbing your tongue is a good idea, too.
Flossing can be a little tricky for young children, so try to be patient with them as they learn the process. Remind them to floss between every tooth and under their gumlines.
Brushing twice per day and flossing once per day is a good habit to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
◼︎ When do children start losing their primary teeth?
Primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, generally start to fall out around age 6 or 7. Baby teeth do serve an important purpose, however.
Baby teeth act as guides for your child’s permanent teeth, or adult teeth. If your child’s baby teeth fall out earlier than they should, we may recommend a space maintainer to keep the remaining teeth in the correct positions so your son or daughter’s permanent teeth will erupt in the right places.
◼︎ What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants can be applied to the chewing surface of your children’s molars. Sealants are made of a plastic material that protects these teeth.
Molars are the teeth that are most likely to develop cavities. Sealants act as a barrier between your teeth and the bacteria that cause tooth decay (cavities).
◼︎ Why is fluoride important?
We offer fluoride treatments because they are good for your teeth and your children’s teeth.
The mineral fluoride can strengthen and repair the enamel of your teeth. Enamel is the outer layer of your teeth, and it is the hardest substance on the human body. It helps to protect the inner layers of your from infection.
When bacteria are able to eat into the enamel, this causes a cavity.
◼︎ I have more questions. How can I get answers?
You can make an appointment for a cleaning and examination at any Beaumont Family Dentistry in Lexington, KY. Your visit is a great opportunity for you and your children to have your teeth cleaning and to ask any questions you have about oral health and hygiene.