How we support happy, healthy smiles by keeping your kids’ teeth cavity-free
Pediatric dentistry is not an afterthought or “add-on” service at our office in Crofton, Maryland. In fact, caring for the unique needs of kids is central to our overall approach to oral care at Bingham-Lester Dentistry. Developing lifelong relationships with our patients is essential because routine visits are fundamental to protecting the teeth, gums, and mouth from disease. A healthy mouth supports a healthy body and overall well-being. Ideally, these visits start early – in childhood.
Tooth troubles
The most significant risks to children’s teeth come from cavities. In fact, cavity prevention is a critical service because this form of decay represents the most common chronic childhood condition in the United States. Along with gum disease, decay is the top cause of tooth loss. And, even though they are temporary, baby or primary teeth also play an important role in oral development. So, we want to keep these teeth cavity-free, too. That way, once permanent teeth start to come in, they are correctly positioned, guided by the baby teeth that came before them.
Proactive care, early and often
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry generally recommends that the first visit to the dentist’s office be scheduled by no later than a child’s first birthday. We like to see babies as soon as their parents notice a tooth in their mouths, even earlier sometimes. It is always preferred to get ahead of problems rather than to be reacting to them or playing “catch-up.”
The very earliest “check-ups” are about educating parents and caregivers on ways to clean babies’ mouths and other good nutritional and behavioral habits and red flags to watch for; for instance, persistent and intense thumb-sucking can have lasting effects on development. Early intervention is a must. These early visits help to get children used to having someone use instruments and check the inside of their mouths. Our kind, patient, and talented dentist, Dr. Vickii R. Bingham-Lester, can also recommend and perform preventative services during routine hygiene appointments. Depending on your child’s age and needs, dental sealants are an effective, affordable, and easy way to “seal out” bacteria, food particles, and other disease-causing substances from the back teeth, where nine out of 10 cavities occur.
We look forward to embarking on this journey of lifelong oral health with you and your child. Call 410-885-6522 to schedule an appointment at the office of Bingham-Lester Dentistry in Crofton, MD.
