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Early Dental Care

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Akoya Pediatric Dentistry provides early dental care for children in Southwest Ranches, Florida. We are honored to be considered as your child’s provider and dental home.

Contact us at 954-799-6212 to schedule an appointment in our Southwest Ranches, FL office.

What is Early Dental Care?

We believe in the importance of early dental care, as it forms the right foundation for a lifetime of oral health. Children should begin receiving professional dental care around their first birthday or within 6 months of when their first tooth comes in. Early dental care includes comprehensive oral examinations, teeth cleanings, diagnostics, diet counseling, guidance with oral habits, and other preventive measures to help keep the teeth and mouth clean and healthy.

Benefits of Early Dental Care

Early Dental Care provides many benefits:

Keeps primary teeth clean and healthy. Primary (baby) teeth are your child's first set of teeth. These teeth are important for eating, speech development, facial growth, and to pave the way for the permanent teeth to come in. Early Dental Care helps the primary teeth remain healthy until they are ready to be shed naturally to make room for the permanent teeth.

Promotes oral health. The health of the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the gums, is just as important as the health of the teeth, as the gums provide support for the teeth. Early dental care helps keep the gums healthy even before all teeth have come in.
Helps children learn healthy habits. Prioritizing dental care and hygiene from a young age allows children to learn good habits that will last throughout childhood and into adulthood.
Establishes a positive view of dentistry. The earlier a child begins dental care, the greater the likelihood that they will view dental care in a positive way. We make your child’s visit fun with a gentle and light-hearted approach.

Procedures Offered

Early Dental Care may include any of the following:

Comprehensive Oral Examination.  We will examine your child’s teeth and mouth to assess their current health and condition. We look for signs of cavities or gum disease in order to provide early intervention and treatment if necessary.

Dental Cleaning.   We perform a thorough cleaning of the teeth to remove any plaque that may have accumulated on the teeth after brushing and between dental visits.

Assessment of Oral Development.  We assess the development of the teeth and jaws and determine if any early orthodontic intervention may be needed.

Oral Hygiene Techniques.  We educate young patients on techniques for caring for their own teeth effectively at home.

Anticipatory Guidance.  We discuss any necessary diet modification and oral habits that can alter your child’s teeth and jaws.

Why Choose Akoya Pediatric Dentistry?

Early dental care helps establish a dental home for your child so they can receive the routine care they need to maintain their oral health and a place to go in case of an urgent dental need. We want to be that place for your child where they feel safe and cared for. We also make dental care fun so children enjoy visiting the dentist. They can watch a TV show or movie during treatment and pick a prize from the treasure tower when finished. Our young patients frequently ask how soon they get to come back to the dentist.

Our doctors are highly qualified and experienced, providing an advanced level of care that maintains and restores the oral health of our young patients. We are passionate about children’s dental care and the correlation between oral health and overall health and wellness. Early dental care is a key element in children's healthy growth and development.

Frequently Asked Questions About Early Dental Care

When should my child start going to the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit around the age of 12 months or within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth. It is important to ensure the health of the teeth and gums and to help children get used to dental visits from a young age.
How can we prevent cavities at home between dental visits?
You will need to brush your child’s teeth or monitor their brushing according to their age. Start by brushing your baby’s teeth and gradually transition to letting them brush their own teeth as they grow. It is important to monitor and assist your child with brushing until they are able to do it effectively on their own.
How often should children brush their teeth?
Children should brush their teeth twice a day, once in the morning after waking up and once at night before going to bed. This routine keeps the teeth clean without causing irritation to the soft tissues of the mouth or damaging the tooth enamel.
When do children need to start flossing?
Flossing should begin when the teeth become close together. As more teeth erupt, the spaces between them will get smaller and flossing will become necessary. This may occur anytime between the ages of 2 and 6. We will let you know when it is a good time to start flossing after examining your child’s teeth.
When is it safe for children to use fluoride toothpaste?
A very small amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used on your baby’s teeth as soon as they are visible above the gums. As your child grows and learns to spit out the toothpaste, you can increase the amount. This may be around the age of 2 to 3. We will review the specific amount at your child’s visit.
When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?
Start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as any portion is visible above the gums. It is also a good habit to brush your baby’s gums gently with a soft bristled infant toothbrush even before their teeth come in to remove bacteria and keep their gums healthy.
When do babies get their first tooth?
The first tooth typically erupts between 6 and 12 months. Some babies may get teeth sooner, and others later. The first tooth to erupt is usually one of the bottom front teeth.
When do children lose their first tooth?
The first tooth may be shed sometime around the age of 5 or 6, though it may range anywhere from as young as 4 to as old as 7. The first tooth lost is usually one of the bottom front teeth as they are the first to come in.
Looking for a practice in the Broward County area? Contact us at 954-799-6212 to schedule an appointment today!

Contact our office today to schedule your child's appointment!

Akoya Pediatric Dentistry
15761 Sheridan Street Suite A
Southwest Ranches, FL 33314
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