Visiting the gentle, caring children's dentist helps instill a positive association with your child and dental assessments. As soon as their first teeth start to show, begin the brushing process. We look forward to building a relationship with your kids and promoting a lifetime of wonderful oral health with children's dentistry.
Why Choose Galleria Dental of Springfield for Children’s Dentistry?
- Welcoming Dentist That Caters to Families
- Frenectomies Available With Soft Tissue Laser
- 100% Customized Sportsguards
Dental Sealants
Athletic Mouthguards / Sportsguards
Frenectomies / Lip & Tongue-Tie
Non-Nutritive Habits / Thumb Sucking
Pulp Therapy
Children’s Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
Now you know more about when to bring your child in for their first visit and a few ways our children’s dentist, Dr. Tolliver, can keep their smile in tip-top shape. With that being said, it’s completely natural to still have a few questions on your mind. How often should they visit our dental office? What can you do to protect their teeth from decay? What if they are nervous about their first appointment? You will find the answers to these questions and more below. If you’d prefer to speak with our team directly, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment!
How Can I Prepare My Child For Their First Dental Appointment?
Between adjusting to the dental office and being surrounded by unfamiliar people, it’s not hard to see why your little one may feel a bit apprehensive about their first visit. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to calm their nerves, and maybe even get them excited about the idea of taking care of their teeth! First, introduce the concept of “going to the dentist” through books and videos that depict their favorite characters getting a dental checkup and cleaning. You can show them pictures of our dental office and our team on our website as well, so there is some familiarity at their visit. We’d also be happy to show them around the dental office to help them get acclimated to the new space before their appointment – whatever it takes to make them feel welcomed and comfortable.
How Often Should My Child Visit the Dentist?
Whether your child is coming in for their first visit or is ready to graduate high school, they should visit our dental office at least every six months for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning. This will allow us to catch dental issues in the early stages, ward-off decay, and clean the hard-to-reach areas of their mouth routinely. However, if your child is more prone to cavities, then we may recommend they visit us more frequently.
Since Baby Teeth Aren’t Permanent, Do They Really Need Special Care?
Yes! Although your child’s primary teeth won’t stick around long enough to be a part of their “permanent” smile, they do play a crucial role in helping them chew pain-free and speak clearly. Neglecting them can lead to premature tooth loss, allowing nearby teeth to encroach on that space and result in misplaced adult teeth. So, caring for their teeth and gums during each stage of their life is of the utmost importance!
How Can I Protect My Child’s Teeth From Cavities?
Tooth decay is a rampant issue facing children of all ages. Luckily, cavities are largely preventable with a few best practices. In addition to brushing twice a day (or after every meal, if possible), make sure they begin flossing daily as soon as two teeth begin touching. While mouthwash isn’t typically recommended for children, you can keep their mouth free from harmful bacteria by limiting their sugar intake, increasing their consumption of nutrient-dense foods, and making sure they drink plenty of water. And, of course, have them visit our dental office every six months for a checkup and cleaning.