When Should My Child Visit the Dentist?

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Even babies need to see the dentist from time to time. Knowing when to take your child to see the dentist can help you take care of their teeth from a very young age. Below are some general rules to follow when trying to decide when your child should go to the dentist in Athens, TX.

Your Child’s First Visit

Babies should see the dentist within 6 months of their first tooth erupting from the gums, or when they turn one year old – whichever comes first. This first visit is important for helping to ensure that your baby gets early treatment for any dental problems they may be having.

During the first visit, the dentist will look inside your child’s mouth, answer any questions you may have about caring for your child’s teeth, and provide information that can help you foster good oral hygiene in your baby. This first visit should be short and easy for you and your baby.

When to Bring Your Child Back

The dentist will decide when it’s time for your baby to return for another visit. Ask your child’s dentist at the time of their first visit when they should come back in for another examination.

Bring Your Child When You Notice Symptoms

Monitor your child for dental problems, and bring your child back to the dentist as soon as you notice an issue. Some examples of what to watch for include:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Swollen gums
  • Bad breath
  • Pain in the teeth

If you’re not brushing your child’s teeth according to the dentist’s instructions, you may end up bringing your baby back faster than you planned, so be sure to follow their instructions. Call Athens Smiles today for more information about bringing your child in for their first dental exam in Athens, TX.

4 Reasons to Get Your Child to the Dentist Before School Starts

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It’s back to school time! Has your child been to the dentist in Athens, TX recently? If not, then it’s time to make an appointment. There are many reasons that children benefit from getting regular dental appointments before going back to school. Below, we’ve listed some of the reasons that children should come in for a dental cleaning before school begins. 

1. Once School Starts, Getting Your Child to the Dentist Gets Harder

Children tend to have a full schedule when they’re going to school. Between after school activities, homework and classes, your child will be busy as soon as school starts. Making your child’s appointment before school begins helps ensure that going to the dentist won’t interfere with anything else important.  

2. Going At the Same Time Each Year is Easier to Remember

Getting in the habit of taking your child to the dentist at the same time each year makes it easy to remember your child’s dental appointments. This helps ensure that your child won’t miss a tooth cleaning. 

3. Your Child Needs Regular Dental Checkups

Your child needs to get regular dental checkups in order to maintain good dental hygiene and clean teeth. Taking your child to the dentist each year before school starts makes it possible for your child to maintain clean teeth and good oral health. 

4. Sets Your Child Up For Success

Making a dentist appointment at the same time each year shows your child how important it is to go to the dentist regularly. When your child is older, this clear understanding makes it more likely they’ll go to the dentist for regular dental appointments – because the habit has been ingrained in them. 

Need an appointment for a dental cleaning in Athens, TX? Call Athens Smiles today. 

 

Think Your Child Might Have a Cavity? What to Know

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Do you think your child might have a cavity? Children are especially prone to cavities because they tend to eat sugary foods, and may not have the manual dexterity to brush their teeth properly. Knowing the signs that your child may have a cavity can help you get them care. For starters, it’s important to see the dentist in Athens TX. Your child’s dentist can help you determine for sure whether your child has a cavity, and if your child does, they can recommend treatment.

Signs of a Cavity

There are many signs of cavities that you and your child should watch for, including:

  • Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • Holes and pits in the teeth
  • Brown or black stains on the surface of the teeth
  • Pain when biting and chewing

What Causes Cavities

Cavities are caused by bacteria left on your child’s teeth after eating. Sugar in particular is bad for your child’s teeth, because sugar and bacteria combine to create acid that can cause tooth decay.

This is why it’s so important to ensure that your child brushes their teeth: because when they eat sugary foods (and many children do), they put their teeth at risk for cavities.

What to Do About a Cavity

If your child develops a cavity, or if you think they may have a cavity, it’s vitally important to get their teeth examined by their dentist at Athens Smiles. Call to make an appointment.

How to Prevent Cavities in the Future

To prevent your child from getting cavities, make an appointment at Athens Smiles for a dental exam in Athens TX. We can help your child take care of their teeth, identify cavities in their early stages, and show you how to help your child with tooth brushing.