You may have lots of questions as a new parent, and while you may not think of it at first, your child could have their first tooth at just six months old and therefore may need to see a dentist sooner than expected. While some adult dental offices may be suitable for children, there are many advantages to taking your child to a pediatric dental office. If you are looking for a specialized office for children's dentistry, look no further than Dr. John Han, Dr. Fernanda Fontes, and Dr. Celeste Mensah of Pediatric Dental Care in Fairfax, Springfield, and Chantilly, VA.
What Is Children's Dentistry?
Children's dentistry, also known as pediatric dentistry, encompasses all aspects of oral care for children from birth to adolescence. Typically, children's dentistry consists of preventative care and treatment to address tooth decay (cavities), gum disease, trauma to the mouth, congenital malformations, or problems with tooth enamel. One of the benefits of seeing a pediatric dentist specializing in children's dentistry in Fairfax, Springfield, and Chantilly, VA, is that the staff have proven experience working with children of all abilities, personalities, and oral conditions that may be more common in childhood vs. adulthood. The importance of starting preventative oral care in childhood should not be understated and may make a big difference in your child's oral health in years to come.
When Should Your Child's First Dental Appointment Be?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends bringing your child to the dentist as soon as their first tooth appears, typically around six months to one year after birth. There are situations in which it would be essential to bring your child to a dentist sooner, including any abnormalities such as bleeding, lesions, or white spots on the gums. Bringing in your baby as their first tooth emerges allows your pediatric dentist to better track the changes in your child's mouth as they age and catch cavities and other potential problems sooner rather than later.
How To Care For Your Children's Teeth
The first step for any parent in caring for their child's teeth is to bring them to their pediatric dentist for regular check-ups, or once every six months. The children's dentistry team in Fairfax, Springfield, and Chantilly, VA, can help to keep your child's teeth and gums healthy. Set up an appointment with Dr. Han, Dr. Fontes, and Dr. Mensah. please give us a call at 703-383-3434, 703-992-7100, or 703-957-3190 to get started!