Category: Dental Hygiene

5 Reasons to Schedule Your Child’s Back to School Dental Appointment Now

Back to school is a busy time as you get your children ready for the coming school year. A new year of classes and lessons often means new school supplies, clothes, and shoes, so it’s easy to neglect scheduling dental appointments. However, these visits are crucial to keeping your kids’ teeth ready for the school year.

Let’s take a look at five reasons you need to schedule your child’s dentist appointment before they head back to school.

Everyone Is Busy

Kids’ dentistry can be easier to arrange during the summer. Dental offices that offer pediatric dentistry in Boston usually have a slowdown in appointments while families are on vacation. That can lead to a rush of appointments at the end of summer, so it’s a good idea to schedule a routine check-up as soon as you can before everyone else tries to do so at the last minute.

Keeping Kids in School

Your children might love the idea of missing school, even if it means visiting the dentist. But keeping them in school is always a better alternative than disrupting the day with dental appointments. Getting them into the dentist before school starts up again ensures they stay in class once it is back in session. If possible, schedule their six-month check-ups during their summer and winter vacations.

Current Dental Records Are Important

Many school districts require families to provide copies of both medical and dental records before students can attend classes. Even if your kid’s school doesn’t do this, it’s a great idea to keep current on the medical and dental treatments your child might need to keep them strong and healthy. Whether it’s their first visit or they’ve been coming to us for years, it’s important to stay up to date with their oral health.

Healthy Mouths Mean Healthy Minds

The quality of a person’s dental health directly impacts their risk level for a variety of other medical conditions. Help your child avoid potential complications, like cavities, by maintaining their schedule of dental cleanings at six-month intervals.

We Want To See You

Our dentists love helping kids get ready for the new school year, and we want to catch up with you. We truly enjoy seeing how much your kids have grown since we saw them last, and we want to help them keep learning how important healthy teeth and gums are. Schedule your kid’s next appointment to give us a chance to make sure your family’s dental health is ready for the coming year.

Services We Provide at Sprouts Kids Dentistry

No matter when you come and visit us, you can be sure your child will get the best quality treatment they need to ensure their oral healthcare. Some of the treatments and services we offer include:

Schedule Your Kid’s Back-to-School Appointment Now

Having your child see their dentist ensures their mouth stays healthy through their younger years, and a happy smile can boost their confidence during the challenges of growing up. Schedule your family’s appointment with us at Sprout Kids Dentistry today. Whether you’re a returning family or new to our practice, we’re here to help your kids enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.

To schedule an appointment, call our Quincy, MA office at 617-934-6339 or use our online contact form.

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At What Age Should My Child Brush Their Own Teeth?

Life as a parent is a journey filled with an array of ‘firsts.’ Each milestone plays a crucial role in their development, from your child’s first steps to their first words. Equally important, though often overlooked, is the milestone of mastering independent tooth brushing. It’s about more than just fresh breath and bright smiles; it’s about nurturing habits that lay the groundwork for lifelong dental health.

Understanding the Basics: Tooth Brushing Before Age 7

The early years of your child’s life offer the perfect opportunity to instill the importance of good oral hygiene. However, children under the age of 7 typically need more manual dexterity to brush their teeth effectively. This is where your role as a parent comes into play.

Just as you’d teach them how to tie shoelaces,  or button their shirts, or fasten a necklace, you can also guide them in learning the proper tooth-brushing technique. Demonstrate by brushing your teeth alongside them, making sure to highlight key practices like using gentle, circular strokes to clean every tooth surface, including those hard-to-reach molars at the back, the inside of the teeth, and right down to the gum line. It’s a practical and engaging way for your little ones to learn.

The Transition Phase: Developing an Independent Brusher

As your child grows, their abilities evolve too. Usually, between 7 and 9, children start showing signs that they’re ready to take the reins of their tooth-brushing routine. However, the shift from supervised brushing to independent brushing is not solely an age-based transition. There are vital skills and traits your child should demonstrate:

Dexterity

If you’ve noticed your child skillfully tying their own shoelaces, knots or bows, cutting soft foods with a knife, write in cursive, or draw detailed pictures, it’s a promising sign. The fine motor skills required for this are similar to those needed for effective tooth brushing.

Responsibility

An essential part of becoming an independent brusher is demonstrating responsibility. Evaluate how your child handles daily tasks such as routine hand washing, combing hair, or making the bed. If they manage these tasks independently and consistently, they’re likely ready to take on their tooth-brushing routine.

Spitting Skills

While it may seem trivial, mastering the act of spitting is a critical component of tooth brushing. Younger children often struggle to spit out toothpaste, which can lead to swallowing excess amounts. Encourage your child to spit into the sink and ensure they’ve mastered this skill before graduating to independent brushing.

Validating Independence: The Plaque-disclosing Test

Even after your child demonstrates the necessary dexterity, responsibility, and spitting skills, gauging how effectively they’re brushing is useful. A simple and practical approach is the plaque disclosing test. A plaque-disclosing mouthwash such as Listerine Smart Rinse is readily available at grocery stores like CVS, Walgreens, Target, and Walmart. It stains the plaque on teeth, making it visible and showing how well your child is brushing. Successfully passing the plaque disclosing test indicates that your child is ready to brush their teeth independently.

Schedule An Appointment Today

Remember, every child is unique, and their ability to brush independently may vary. At Sprout Kids Dentistry in Quincy, MA, our mission is to work alongside parents to ensure children develop sound oral hygiene habits.

If you still have questions or concerns about your child’s dental health, our pediatric dental experts led by Dr. Anderson are always ready to assist. Schedule a consultation today to help your child achieve the brightest smile! Together, we can help your child navigate the path to dental independence.

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How Sugar Can Affect Your Child’s Oral Health

As a parent, you may worry about your child having a serious sweet tooth especially if they can’t seem to get enough sweet treats. Generally, children have a stronger affinity for sugary and salty foods than adults, and they don’t need to learn to like these flavors. According to recent research, children’s sweet tooth and desire for sugary foods may increase during growth spurts, when their bodies require more calories and energy. Although there’s no harm in giving your kid a treat occasionally, constant access to sugary sweets might damage their teeth and gums. Let’s dive into how sugar may damage kids’ teeth and how you can help them develop lifelong, healthy dental routines.

How Sugar Impacts Dental Health

Although it’s commonly known that overeating sugar may cause cavities, this mechanism may be unclear. There are a lot of bacteria in our mouths. Therefore, if your child doesn’t brush their teeth thoroughly after consuming something sweet, the bacteria will utilize the sugar to latch on to the tooth’s surface and feed. As these bacteria feed, they rapidly multiply, creating plaque and producing acid that gradually erodes the tooth enamel. Cavities arise when these acids bore through the tooth’s surface, creating holes. If cavities go untreated, they can progress beyond the enamel and into the deeper parts of the tooth such as the nerve resulting in pain and potential tooth loss.

Tips For Safeguarding Your Child’s Oral Health

Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for everyone, but it’s especially critical for children because of the sugar and corn syrup they ingest in their meals and beverages, respectively. The following are some measures to safeguard your child’s teeth and smile from tooth decay and cavities if you’re concerned that their sweet tooth may put them at risk for developing cavities.

Increase Their Water Intake

Water is the healthiest beverage option for your toddler. It’s fantastic for their teeth and overall health and keeps them hydrated. Also, your child may reduce their risk of developing cavities by drinking fluoridated water after eating sugary or acidic meals.

Encourage Flossing

Plaque doesn’t pick and choose where it attacks; it builds up equally on the teeth’s surfaces and the spaces between them. Therefore, by helping your child to floss daily, you will assist them in breaking up all that plaque and removing it before it develops into cavities or possibly gum disease.

Regularly Brush Their Teeth

You can effectively eliminate plaque from your child’s teeth by encouraging them to brush twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. An electric toothbrush can work wonders if your child is willing to use one. In addition, remember to remind your kid to clean their tongue to eliminate germs that may lead to foul breath and other dental problems.

Use Fluoride

According to the American Dental Association, fluoride is an effective and safe way to prevent and treat tooth decay. Thus, ensure your kid gets lots of fluoridated water, uses a fluoridated mouthwash nightly, and routinely brushes with fluoride toothpaste.

Set Up an Appointment

Taking your child to the dentist early improves their long-term health and happiness and also helps to catch and prevent dental issues early. Give Sprout Kids Dentistry a call today or submit an online form to schedule an appointment with Dr. Anderson.

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How Do I Know If Sealants Are Right for My Child?

At Sprout Kids Dentistry, we want your child to have the healthiest smile possible. To ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy, sealants are sometimes needed. But what are dental sealants and are they necessary for your child? Let’s find out.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, clear plastic coatings that are placed onto the chewing surface of your child’s premolars or molars to form a protective shield from food debris, bacteria, plaque, and acids. It’s essentially sealing the tooth to prevent cavities and tooth decay. They can also be placed over spots of early decay to prevent further damage.

According to the CDC, sealants prevent up to 80% of cavities in molars. 

Why Are Premolars and Molars More Prone to Developing Tooth Decay?

The chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars have pits and fissures that food, plaque, and particles can sit in. This can provide cavity-causing bacteria a food source to grow. And as the bacteria feed and grow, they produce acids that can erode the tooth’s enamel and result in tooth decay and ultimately, cavities.

Are Sealants Right for Your Child?

Sealants can work for all children but especially ones who are prone to developing cavities. The age of six is usually when sealants are applied for the first time. This is when the first set of permanent molars are just starting to come in. 

Protecting these early teeth from tooth decay and cavities reduces the chance of a child developing future cavities or other dental problems.

What Is the Sealant Procedure?

Applying sealants is a simple, safe, and painless procedure that can be completed in one visit to the dentist office. Your child won’t need anesthesia and there is no drilling involved. 

The procedure begins by cleaning your child’s teeth and then drying them completely. From there, we prepare the chewing surface by roughing it up with an etching solution. This helps the sealant to bond to the tooth. Next, the sealant is painted on the pits and fissures of the molars. Finally, a special light hardens the sealant. It’s that simple.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Sealants typically last 5 to 10 years but your child’s dentist should evaluate the sealant for chips and wear every time they have an appointment.  If needed, we can reapply the sealant so the tooth remains protected. But remember, sealants do not mean your child doesn’t need to brush and floss. Sealants are preventing further tooth decay. They are not meant as a replacement for proper dental hygiene.

Should Your Child Have Dental Sealants?

Whether your child should have dental sealants or not is a decision that should be made between your dentist and you. You’ll want to consider your child’s daily lifestyle, what they eat, and how prone to cavities they are. Your dentist can help you make the right decision for your child.

Schedule A Consultation

Looking to learn more about sealants for your child or think  that they are right for the procedure? Schedule a consultation today by calling Sprout Kids Dentistry at our Quincy, MA office or schedule an appointment online. We can help your child feel safe and comfortable with the entire dental experience. 

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4 Ways to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

A healthy mouth will ensure your child can speak, eat, and smile with confidence later in life. Although
baby teeth are only temporary, a long-term outlook toward dental care is still essential to setting your
child up for success. Baby teeth are still just as susceptible to decay as adult teeth, and one of the most
common ways that babies experience tooth decay is from baby bottles, sippy cups and straw cups. 

Sometimes called bottle rot, it’s important to know its causes and how to avoid them with the help of our pediatric dentist.

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Bottle rot occurs when your baby drinks sugary liquids like milk or formula throughout the day frequently. 

This process encourages the growth of harmful bacteria and acid on the teeth, which wear away at the enamel and lead to decay. Over time, this consistent exposure can cause cavities and even more serious dental pain and infections. Many babies don’t show symptoms at first but if not treated early, it can lead to discomfort and more serious damage to the teeth.

What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Consistent exposure to sugary drinks causes tooth decay, but there are a few culprits that are specific to
babies. They include:

  • Falling asleep with a bottle in their mouth
  • Consuming sugary drinks, milk, or breast milk before sleeping without cleaning the teeth and mouth afterwards
  • Frequent feeding otherwise known as “grazing” throughout the day
  • Sharing utensils
  • Constant and/or long-term pacifier use

These things promote bacterial growth and without proper oral care, it can lead to decay later on.

How to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

There are four ways to prevent exposure to bacteria and prevent further damage.

1. Keep up on AAP guidelines for cleaning

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that for babies under 12 months old, you gently wipe
the gums clean with a soft washcloth. Once the first tooth emerges, use a soft baby toothbrush and a
tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste to gently brush. For children 1-3 years old, use a soft bristle
toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, gently brushing their teeth twice daily for at least two minutes. The
best times to brush are before bed and after breakfast.

2. Only put formula or milk in baby bottles

Giving your baby drinks that are high in sugar content can put them at further risk for tooth decay. Avoid
sugar water, juice, Pediasure or soft drinks. Stick to formula, milk, or water in their bottles.

3. Don’t let them fall asleep with a bottle

Although it may help them sleep, using a bottle as a pacifier can expose your baby’s teeth to sugar and bacteria while they sleep. If you must give them a bottle to sleep with, clean it thoroughly and put water in it instead.

4. Visit a pediatric dentist regularly

Your baby’s pediatric dentist can help keep an eye on any tooth decay and help you learn the best ways
to keep your child’s oral health in good shape. Make sure to schedule your child for regular checkups
and follow your pediatric dentist’s recommendations.

Schedule an Appointment

The best way to ensure your child keeps their teeth healthy is by partnering with Sprout Kids Dentistry.
To get started, contact our Quincy, MA office by calling or filling out our online form.

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Signs My Child May Have a Cavity

Did you know that cavities are common in children? About 42% of 2- to 11-year-olds have at least one cavity. Even preschoolers can get cavities! It’s important to recognize the common signs and symptoms of cavities in children so that you can take action, fast. Knowing what to look for is the best way to ensure your child’s oral health remains intact. This article will discuss some of the most common signs that your child has a cavity and how you can prevent them from happening in the first place.

Tooth Decay in Infants and Toddlers

Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is a common problem. Some of the most common signs that your child may have a cavity are:

  • White spots on the teeth: This is one of the earliest signs of tooth decay. If you see white spots on your child’s teeth, it’s important to take them to the dentist immediately.
  • Brown or black spots on the teeth: These spots are another early sign of tooth decay. If you see them on your child’s teeth, it’s important to take them to the dentist immediately.
  • Sensitivity to cold or hot drinks: If your child complains that their teeth hurt when they drink something cold or hot, they may have a cavity.
  • Pain when chewing: If your child experiences pain chewing, it could be a sign of a cavity.

Early Signs of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is extremely common in children. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in four children aged 2-5 years have at least one untreated decaying tooth.

The good news is that tooth decay is preventable. And if caught early, it can be treated before it causes serious damage. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the early signs of tooth decay so you can protect your child’s smile.

One of the earliest signs of tooth decay could be white spots on the teeth. These spots are areas where the enamel has begun to break down. If you notice white spots on your child’s teeth, schedule a visit with their dentist so they can determine whether or not these spots are indicative of tooth decay.

Another early sign of tooth decay is sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. If your child complains that their teeth hurt when they eat or drink something hot or cold, this could be a sign that they have a cavity.

If you notice any early signs of tooth decay in your child, don’t wait to schedule a dental visit. The sooner you catch and treat cavities, the better!

How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Children

Sealants, fluoride, and good oral hygiene can help prevent tooth decay in children. Sealants are a thin coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (the molars). They act as a barrier, preventing food and plaque that can cause cavities.

Fluoride strengthens teeth and helps prevent cavities. Children who drink fluoridated water have fewer cavities than those who do not. Fluoride is also available in mouth rinses, gels, and toothpaste.

Good oral hygiene includes brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and eating a balanced diet.

When to See a Dentist About Your Child’s Cavities

If your child is complaining of tooth pain, has sensitive teeth, or is having trouble chewing, it may be time to see a dentist about a possible cavity. Additional signs that your child may have a cavity include white or brown spots on the teeth, and bad breath. If you
notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to get your child’s teeth checked out.

Contact Us Today

To schedule an appointment at Sprout Kids Dentistry, contact our office today at 617-934-6339 or schedule an appointment online.

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Dental Care Tips for Parents: Teaching Kids to Floss

Teaching your kids to brush their teeth is important for their dental health. But with all the other things on your to-do list, it can be easy to let flossing fall by the wayside. Flossing should be part of your child’s daily dental routine. You can follow a few tips to help you make sure your kids’ teeth are healthy and sparkling.

1. Start Early

It is always advisable to teach your kids the importance of flossing in their early stages. While they may not have a lot of teeth yet, those baby teeth are important for their development. Ensure you’re consistently stressing the importance of flossing as recommended by Pediatric Dentistry in Boston, Kids Dentistry. This will help them get into the habit of flossing and make it a part of their daily routine.

2. Use the Right Technique

Using the right technique is the best way to teach kids how to floss. The first step is choosing the right floss type for your child’s needs. If they have sensitive gums, choose a waxed floss that will be gentle on their gums. Show your child how to hold the floss and use a gentle motion to clean between their teeth. It’s important to avoid using too much force, as this can damage the gums. Finally, they should rinse their mouth with water or Mouthwash to remove any remaining debris.

3. Make It Fun

When it comes to flossing, kids can be pretty resistant. They may not like the floss taste or the feeling between their teeth. As a result, many parents need help to get their kids to make flossing a regular part of their oral care routine. The good news is that some simple tricks can make flossing more fun for kids. First, let them choose their floss. There are a variety of flavors and colors available, so they’re sure to find one they like. You can also try using bubble gum-flavored floss or electric toothbrushes with built-in flossers. For added fun, let them choose their toothpaste and toothbrush. If they’re involved in the process, they’re more likely to enjoy it. Finally, make it a game. See who can floss the longest or who can find the most plaque. Whatever you do, make sure that flossing remains a positive experience for your kids.

4. Be a Good Role Model

As a parent, you know it’s important to set a good example for your kids. After all, they’re always watching and learning from you. That’s why it’s important to be a good role model when teaching kids to floss. When you floss every day, your kids will see that taking care of your teeth is important. And when you make flossing a part of your daily routine, they’ll be more likely to do the same. They’re sure to follow suit when you lead by example and show them that flossing is important to you.

Conclusion

Even though flossing may seem like a tedious and time-consuming task, it is important to teach kids the importance of flossing at an early age. By removing plaque and food particles from between the teeth, flossing helps to prevent cavities and gum disease. While you may be tempted to skip the flossing step, it is important to work with Dr. Matt and learn about teaching kids how to floss correctly.

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What to Do About Children Grinding Their Teeth

Is Your Child Grinding Their Teeth?

You may have noticed your child grinding their teeth. This can happen at any time, but it is most
common at night. Your child may not even realize they are doing it. Some common signs that
your child is grinding is if they have tooth sensitivity, have pain when chewing, have pain in
their jaw, or if you hear them grinding when they are sleeping. It’s important to have your child’s dentist exam their teeth when you notice your child has clenching or grinding habits.

Why Do Children Grind Their Teeth?

There are many reasons why children may grind their teeth. Depending on the age of your child,
it could be due to:

  1. Pain Caused by Teething or Earache: As your baby’s teeth come in, they may experience some discomfort. This can lead to grinding as they try to soothe the pain. Teething can also cause earaches, which can further contribute to the problem.
  2. Misalignment of Teeth or jaw bones: If your child’s teeth are not properly aligned, they may grind them to try and correct the problem. This is especially common if their top and bottom teeth do not meet correctly.
  3. Dehydration: If your child does not drink enough water, they may be more likely to grind their teeth. This is because dehydration can cause the mouth to feel dry and irritated.
  4. Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions can lead to teeth grinding. For instance, cerebral palsy has been linked to teeth grinding. This is due to the involuntary muscle movements associated with the condition.

What You Can Do When Your Child Grinds Their Teeth

There are many things you can do to help your child when they grind their teeth. These include:

  1. Give your Child a Teething Toy: If biting down on something hard helps to relieve the pain of teething, a teething toy for very young children can do wonders. The pressure on the gums can help to reduce the urge to grind. For instance, a frozen wet washcloth can be soothing. Make sure the toy is big enough so your child won’t choke on it.
  2. Encourage your Child to Drink More Water: Make sure your child is getting enough water throughout the day. This will help keep their mouth hydrated and reduce the urge to grind. This is also a great way to keep your child healthy overall.
  3. Encourage Your Child to Relax Before Bedtime: A warm bath or a bedtime story can help your child to relax before sleep. This may reduce the amount of grinding that occurs during the night. A calming nighttime routine can also help your child to get a good night’s sleep overall.
  4. Most Importantly, Take Your Child to the Dentist: If you are concerned about your child’s teeth grinding, arrange a visit with the dentist. They can properly assess the situation. This is especially important if the grinding is causing damage to the teeth.

Teeth grinding is a common problem in children. There are many things you can do to help your child when they grind their teeth. Taking the necessary steps to protect your child’s teeth from further damage is essential.

Contact Us Today

If your child is experiencing teeth grinding or clenching, contact Sprout Kids Dentistry today for treatment. Dr. Anderson will be happy to inspect your child’s mouth an jaw and create a personalized treatment plan to help ease teeth grinding.

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5 Tips to Ease Your Child’s Fear of the Dentist

Going to the dentist can be a scary experience for children. Many kids develop a fear of the dentist as a result of their first visit which can lead to problems down the road, such as poor oral hygiene and even cavities. To ensure that your child has healthy teeth and gums, it is essential to ease their fears and make dental visits a positive experience. Here, we will discuss five tips to help your child feel more comfortable at the dentist’s office.

1. Start Them Young

It is best to introduce your child to the dentist from a young age. This will help them get used to the environment and feel more comfortable with the staff. Additionally, it is essential that your child’s first few visits are positive experiences. If possible, try to schedule their appointment for a time when the office is not too busy. This way, they will have the opportunity to meet the dentist and staff in a relaxed setting.

2. Have a Kid-Friendly Tooth Talk

Before your child’s first visit, sit down with them and explain what the dentist does. Use simple words and avoid any negative language. It is also a good idea to show them pictures of the dentist’s office and staff. This will help ease their fears and make them feel more comfortable with going to the dentist. Many dental offices also have children’s books about dentistry that you can read to your child before their appointment.

3. Give Positive Reinforcement

One of the best ways to ease your child’s fear of the dentist is to offer positive reinforcement. For example, you can tell them they will be big kids if they go to the dentist. You can also offer rewards for good behavior, such as a toy or a trip to the park. This will help to make dental visits more positive experiences for your child. Several dental offices also offer goodie bags for kids after their appointments.

4. Emphasize Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

Another way to ease your child’s fear of the dentist is to emphasize the importance of healthy oral hygiene habits. Explain to them that the dentist is there to help keep their teeth and gums healthy. You can also show them how to brush and floss their teeth properly and explain why this is important. This will help them understand that dental visits are not something to be afraid of.

5. Select a Dentist That Specializes In Kids

It is also essential to select a dentist that specializes in kids. This way, you can ensure that your child receives the best care possible. Sprout Kids Dentistry is an excellent option for families with young children. They offer a wide range of services, including regular checkups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments. Sprout Kids Dentistry also has a team of experienced and friendly staff members dedicated to providing the best possible care for your child.

Making dental visits a positive experience for your child is essential for oral health. By following these tips, you can ease your child’s fear of the dentist and ensure they have healthy teeth and gums.

Schedule a Consultation

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Anderson and her team, you can call our Quincy, MA office at 617-934-6339 or fill out an online contact form. We look forward to meeting you!

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The Importance of Dental Hygiene Through Covid-19

Covid-19 has made all of our routines uncertain, and unfortunately, that also means that some have neglected their oral health. Early in the pandemic, it was difficult to imagine safely visiting the dentist. Today, we understand more about the virus and preventing its transmission, making it safe to schedule your routine appointments. It is especially important for children to see their pediatric dentist at least twice a year.

Postponing Dental Care Allows Problems to Worsen

Even minor dental problems, such as cavities, can escalate to bigger issues if they are left untreated. These issues can be painful for your child and require expensive, complex treatments if left to worsen over time. This is why routine appointments with your dentist are so important at any age. During routine appointments, sealants can also be applied to help prevent cavities or other issues from forming in the future.

For children, however, it is also important for a dentist to have the opportunity to monitor the progress of their teeth and oral health as they quickly grow. Your pediatric dentist will check for normal growth progress and can give you advice for issues that may develop over time. For example, your hygienist and dentist can give valuable advice for nutritional needs, bad habits like thumb-sucking, and at-home hygiene.

In addition to these health problems, avoiding the dentist can make visits unfamiliar and frightening to kids. At Sprout Kids Dentistry, we take extra steps to make visiting the dentist a fun and positive experience for children. This can only be achieved when we see our patients on a regular basis and get to build a relationship over time.

Routine Dentist Appointments Teach Kids Good Habits

Scheduling routine cleanings and checkups allows your hygienist and dentists to teach your child good at-home habits from an early age. This includes proper brushing and flossing techniques that can be difficult to instill in your child as a parent. Seeing the dentist regularly also shows your child that oral health is valuable and reinforces the steps you take at home to take care of your teeth and gums.

Oral Health is Important to Overall Health

Dentists understand that oral health can often indicate your overall health. Signs of conditions ranging from diabetes to respiratory illnesses to poor immune function can be seen in the mouth before other symptoms emerge. Your pediatric dentist is trained to recognize these signs and protect your child’s overall health in addition to their oral health.

How We Make Our Office Covid-Safe

Through the pandemic, we have established a simple Covid-19 protocol that keeps our staff and patients safe. We follow all CDC and ADA disinfecting measures and safety protocols to keep our office sanitized through the day. We also require masks for all adults and children over the age of four and require visitors to wash and sanitize their hands upon entering our office. Only one parent or guardian is permitted to accompany children to treatment areas to limit the number of people in our spaces. Finally, we ask that any patients who are feeling unwell or have a known Covid-19 exposure to follow our cancellation policy and reschedule their appointments.

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more about your pediatric dentistry options or to schedule your first appointment, call (617) 934-6339 or contact us online.

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