Child and Infant Dental Care
Your Child's First Dental Visit
A child's first visit to the dentist can be scary for both child and parent, but is the most important trip your child will ever take. At RGV Smiles, our goal is to give you the best dental experience with licensed dentists, orthodontists and dental hygienists overseeing your child's oral health care. With a gentle touch and knowledgeable care, our McAllen dentists strive to make your appointment comfortable for both you and your chid.
During your child's first visit you can expect our McAllen children dentists to perform:
- Thorough examinations of your child's teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissue
- Gentle cleaning
- X-rays
- Age appropriate demonstrations of proper dental hygiene
Sealants
Sealants are used to fill the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of teeth. They keep food particles from getting stuck in teeth, which could later lead to cavities. Applying sealants is a fast and comfortable procedure that can effectively protect teeth for several years.
Research has shown that sealants stop cavities when applied to a slightly decayed tooth. This procedure seals off the supply of nutrients to bacteria and can help prevent future cavities.
Can sealants protect your child's teeth?
Sealants can help protect your child’s teeth. They are most effective when applied after a tooth has fully grown. Children receive benefits from sealants because teeth are young.
Application of Sealants
The application of sealants involves cleaning the surface of the tooth. Then, a gel is applied to the enamel surface and left on for 15 seconds. After the tooth has dried, the sealant material is applied and hardened using a curing light.
Most sealants last about five years. Sealants are especially effective in preventing decay on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by sugary substances in breast milk and some juices, which combine with saliva to form pools inside the baby's mouth.
If left untreated, this can lead to premature decay of your baby's future primary teeth, and later cause problems in the proper formation of permanent teeth.
One of the best ways to avoid baby bottle tooth decay is not allow your baby to nurse on a bottle while going to sleep. Encouraging your toddler to drink from a cup as early as possible will also help prevent problems associated with baby bottle tooth decay.
Contact Us
To schedule your child's first visit to the dentist and to begin a healthy habit that will last a lifetime, contact our McAllen children dentists at RGV Smiles at 956-661-0900.
