Pediatric Care
Protect Your Child’s Smile
If you’re a new parent in Oak Creek, South Milwaukee or Franklin, or if you’ve just moved to the area and you’re looking for a friendly dental office to call home, Dr. Saleki and the team at Oak Creek Dental Care would love to meet you! As an experienced family dentist, Dr. Saleki provides quality care for every member of your family, at every age. Regular pediatric appointments are the best defense against tooth decay and other common childhood dental health issues.
Pediatric Dentistry For Infants & Toddlers
Pediatric dental care for infants and toddlers primarily revolves around keeping their newly-emerging teeth healthy and ensuring that their mouth is free of common issues like decay and gum disease.
It’s important to brush your child’s teeth twice per day for at least two minutes. If your little one is under the age of 2, you don’t need to use any toothpaste, or you can simply use fluoride-free toothpaste. Between the ages of 2-7, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. It’s also important to start flossing your child’s teeth once per day as soon as most of their teeth have come in.
During your six-month pediatric dental appointments at we’ll take a look at your child’s mouth and keep an eye out for any potential signs of tooth decay, as well as any developmental issues (such as teeth not erupting properly). We’ll also clean your little one’s mouth to keep their smile healthy.
The Importance Of Early Pediatric Dental Care
Bringing your child to the dentist regularly from an early age has a number of great benefits. First, your child will become familiar with going to the dentist, and they’ll get used to preventative care like oral exams and teeth cleanings. In turn, this means they’ll be less likely to develop dental anxiety or be nervous about going to the dentist in the future.
Second, seeing the same dentist consistently allows your dentist to form a real relationship with you and your child, and provide better care. Your dentist will also be able to track your child’s oral development throughout the months and years, which can provide additional insights into their oral health.
Finally, early pediatric dental care helps emphasize the importance of dental care to your child. With routine appointments, your child will be more likely to develop better oral hygiene habits, which can help them care for their teeth as they grow older and avoid issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
When Should I Take My Child To The Dentist For The First Time?
If you’re a new parent with an infant, we recommend that you schedule your child’s first dental appointment as soon as their first tooth erupts, or when they turn a year old; whichever comes first. If you’ve never taken your child to the dentist before, now is the best time to start! Make an appointment right away, and ensure that you bring your child in every six months to keep their mouth happy and healthy.
What Can I Expect At My Pediatric Appointment?
This depends somewhat on the age of your child. If you have an infant or a toddler, Dr. Saleki may conduct only a very basic oral exam, checking on the teeth that have already erupted, and answering any questions you may have about caring for your child’s mouth.
An older child who has all of their permanent teeth will typically undergo a full oral exam, and x-rays may be taken, if necessary. An older child or a teen will also have their teeth cleaned and polished, and examined for decay. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants may be recommended if a cavity is forming, or if your child has a high risk of developing a cavity. At the age of 7 or older, an orthodontic exam may also be recommended.
Pediatric Dentistry For Adolescents
Children over the age of 6 can start brushing their own teeth. Most dentists recommend that your child starts brushing their own teeth once they have enough manual dexterity to tie their own shoes. It’s important to supervise your children while they brush to make sure that they are using proper techniques, brushing for a long enough period of time, and brushing regularly.
You’ll usually need to keep flossing your child’s teeth until they’re about 10, since flossing is more complex than brushing. The oral habits your child develops now will stick with them for the rest of their lives, so maintaining proper oral hygiene is very important.
It’s common for kids between the ages of 6-12 to be more susceptible to cavities. At your child’s regular six-month pediatric appointments at Oak Creek Dental Care, we’ll look for cavities and signs of gum disease. We may provide preventive care like fluoride treatments or dental sealants to help prevent cavities.
Pediatric Dentistry For Teenagers
Once your child reaches their teen years, they will likely have all of their permanent teeth. This usually happens between 12-13 years of age. That means that now is the right time to get orthodontic treatment like braces or ClearCorrect, if Dr. Saleki determines that these treatments are necessary.
The teenage years pose some issues for your child’s oral health. They may be more independent, and you may have less control over what they eat and drink, and how they care for their teeth. Braces and orthodontics can also make it more difficult for your teen to brush and floss properly.
At your teen’s six-month teeth cleanings and oral exams, we’ll continue to check for cavities and gum disease, and ensure that they are caring for their teeth properly. As they grow older, we may also take x-rays and examine their wisdom teeth to determine if they require extraction.
Protect Your Child’s Teeth With Regular Pediatric Appointments – Schedule Now
Ready to get started at Oak Creek Dental Care? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Saleki today! During your appointment, he’ll answer any questions you may have about caring for your child’s mouth and provide all of the pediatric care your child needs to smile brightly for years to come. Contact us now at (414) 762-9010, or come to our office in-person at 132 E Drexel Ave, Oak Creek, WI, 53154.
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