When your child is young, it’s crucial to teach them proper oral hygiene and to get them used to seeing their dentist, as this will help ensure they enjoy good oral health into their adult years. If your child is ready to see the dentist, then you should consider children’s dentistry services at the Sharon dental office of Dr. Alla Agamov, DMD.
What Is Children’s Dentistry?
Children’s dentistry, also known as pediatric dentistry, refers to methods dentists like Dr. Agamov use to care for the oral health of their youngest patients. Children require special care and attention when they first start developing teeth. Visiting a dentist who will compassionately treat any of their issues and effectively teach them how to care for their smile as they get older is vital to their health and wellbeing. Dr. Agamov and the rest of our dental team are trained in treating dental issues common to children.
Our Children’s Dentistry Services
Relationship Building
When children feel at ease at a dental office, treatment is easier and they’re more likely to feel comfortable visiting their dentist in the future. By getting to know your child, pediatric dentist Dr. Agamov and our staff will be able to help your child relax and take away some of the fear of the unknown that children are more prone to. During your child’s first visit, we’ll take the time to introduce ourselves instead of beginning cleanings or exams. When your child returns for their first real visit, we’ll explain every step to help them feel calm.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin, plastic-like barriers that are painted onto the back molars, the teeth where cavities most likely occur. Once your children’s molars are sealed, it helps prevent the buildup of cavity-causing plaque and tartar. According to the CDC, dental sealants can help prevent 80 percent of cavities for up to two years.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin, plastic-like barriers that are painted onto the back molars, the teeth where cavities most likely occur. Once your children’s molars are sealed, it helps prevent the buildup of cavity-causing plaque and tartar. According to the CDC, dental sealants can help prevent 80 percent of cavities for up to two years.
Cavities and Cavity Prevention
Tooth decay, commonly caused by cavities and dental caries, is one of the most common chronic issues among American children. A lack of proper oral hygiene and an unbalanced diet may make children more susceptible to cavities. It’s a common misconception that a cavity in your child’s baby teeth doesn’t matter. These instances of decay can endanger your child’s oral and overall health and make their adult teeth more likely to develop poorly.
As your child’s dental provider, Dr. Agamov conducts regular dental exams to help keep track of your child’s oral health. Our Sharon pediatric dentist can also offer measures to help prevent cavities.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps keep teeth strong and cavity resistant. A fluoride rinse can help remineralize your child’s teeth, building enamel back up while helping to treat and prevent cavities.
Oral Hygiene Education
As your child ages, Dr. Agamov will educate them on how to best care for their smile. Dr. Agamov and our dental staff will demonstrate to your child how to brush and floss properly and inform them of the importance of proper oral hygiene. We’ll also educate you on how to care for your child’s smile until they can do it themselves, as well as provide tools for education so you can reinforce what they learn at our Sharon dental office at home.
An effective way to teach your child at-home oral hygiene includes the Tell, Show, Do method. Once they’re ready to start cleaning their teeth on their own, this method helps your child memorize their lessons and makes dental hygiene more fun. Here’s how it works:
- Tell: In simple terms, describe brushing and flossing to your child, as well as how long and how often they need to do it. Explain to your child how this will help keep their teeth healthy and why healthy smiles are important. Let them ask questions and keep the conversation positive.
- Show: Show your child how to brush and floss. Feel free to make a game out of it. Try describing brushing and flossing as a game to chase germs and “sugar bugs” out of their mouth.
- Do: Help your child complete their oral hygiene routine themselves and be sure to reward them afterward. Most kids will need help taking care of their teeth until they’re around five to eight years old. Stick to a regular routine to encourage their understanding that dental hygiene is essential.
Preparing Your Child For Their First Visit
As a parent or guardian of a young child, you may be wondering how to prepare your child for their first visit. To keep your child calm and relaxed Dr. Agamov offers this advice:
- Let your child get familiar with our Sharon dental office. Bring them to visit or just to see the office a few times before their actual first appointment. This will work wonders in helping to eliminate dental anxiety brought on by fear of the unknown.
- Explain to your child in simple terms using calm language what will happen during a routine dental exam. While we’ll be sure to explain the steps of their first exam to your child, they’ll likely be much more at ease hearing about what to expect from you. Emphasize how the dentist is there to help them stay healthy and smile their best.
- Watch a few kid-friendly educational videos about the dentist with your child. Make sure they’re fun and engaging for your child, so they’ll pay attention and come away feeling excited to visit our Sharon, MA dental office.
Dr. Alla Agamov DMD has been our family dentist for many years. Amazing doctor and very friendly staff. Highly recommended!
-Vladimir S.
FAQ
When should my child start seeing a children's dentist?
Your child should start seeing the dentist as soon as their first tooth begins to erupt, or around one year old. Having your child visit the dentist as soon as they begin developing their new teeth will help their pediatric dentist:
- Keep better track of their oral health
- Intervene sooner in case oral disease develops
- Help your child feel comfortable at our office and around our dental staff
If you think your child is ready for their first visit, call the Sharon, MA office of Dr. Agamov and schedule an appointment.
How do I prevent my child from getting cavities?
While there’s no surefire way to completely prevent cavities, here are some ways to help keep your child’s smile healthy:
- Limit the frequency of meals and snacks
- Encourage brushing, flossing, and rinsing between meals
- Closely monitor what your child eats and drinks
- Avoid giving your child sticky foods
- Make treats part of meals as opposed to random occurrences
- Choose nutritious snacks
How do I clean my infant's teeth and gums?
Infants’ mouths are vulnerable places so it’s important to treat them with care. To clean your baby’s teeth and gums, pediatric dentists recommend the following:
- Use a specially made toothbrush with very soft bristles and a small head that has been moistened with water
- Use a sliver of fluoride toothpaste designed for infants, no bigger than a rice grain
- Brush gently in slow circles
- Brush your infant’s teeth and gums once a day, preferably before bedtime
- Use a terry cloth finger guard or soft, clean, and moist gauze wrapped around your index finger
- Gently rub the cloth or gauze along your infant’s gums and teeth
Does Dr. Agamov provide emergency pediatric dentistry?
Children are especially prone to dental injuries. Even if the dental injury seems minimal, you should contact our Sharon dental office to schedule an appointment for your child as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to schedule your child’s emergency appointment as soon as possible.
Protect Your Child’s Oral Health With Children’s Dentistry!
The sooner you start caring for your child’s health, the more likely it is that they’ll enjoy good oral health into their adult years. If you think your child is ready to start seeing a children’s dentist, contact our Sharon dental office. You can also request an appointment online and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly. Pediatric dentist Dr. Agamov offers children’s dentistry to young patients from Sharon and surrounding areas such as Stoughton, Foxborough, and Canton, MA.