Is my child ready for Orthodontics?
Your child is currently in the mixed dentition phase, which means they have both baby and adult teeth. During this time, you may see problems with the teeth and jaw. At your child’s appointment, Dr. Longoria will check for alignment in the teeth and jaws, and assess the progress of permanent, or adult teeth. At the age of 7, your child is ready to have a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation. If Dr. Longoria notices your child could benefit from early evaluation, we will recommend you schedule a visit with Dr. Chen for an orthodontic evaluation.
What is a panoramic radiograph and why does my child need one?
During your child’s orthodontic evaluation, Dr. Chen may want to perform a panoramic radiograph, or x-ray. This will allow Dr. Chen to see if permanent molars have started erupting. Furthermore, this x-ray assists Dr. Chen in completing an overall evaluation of the joints in your child’s jaw and asses the developing position of your child’s adult teeth.
How can I best help prevent my child from getting dental cavities?
As a parent, the best thing you can do to help prevent your child from getting dental cavities, is to teach them good oral hygiene. We also recommend you teach your child about healthy and unhealthy choices in snacks, which aid in reinforcing good, nutritional habits. Parents should assist in brushing and flossing up to the age of about 8. At this point, your child will probably have the skill to effectively brush and floss their own teeth. Lastly, following up with regular dental exams and cleanings every 6 months will help with cavity prevention.
What is the best way to protect my child’s mouth during physical activity or sports?
Whether your child plays football, soccer, hockey, or another type of contact sport, we highly recommend he or she wear a mouth guard. Not only do mouth guards protect the teeth from injury, but they also effectively reduce concussions, which can lead to more serious brain injuries. Mouth guards come in a variety of options over the counter, including orthodontic mouth guards. There are also options for a custom fitted mouth guard.
What is a sealant?
A sealant is a coating applied to the chewing surface of your tooth, to provide added protection. Sealants cover the minute grooves of the tooth where bacteria like to live and cause cavities. The bristles on your toothbrush are large and unable to reach these grooves, which makes sealant application an important part of preventative cavity treatment. Not to worry, the sealant procedure is completely painless and a quick process!