Care For Your Little One’s Smile
Kid's Dentistry
At Luck Family Dental, we take pride in being a child-friendly office where you and your children can relax, feel safe, and get the oral care you need to keep your mouths happy and healthy. Dr. Luck takes an upbeat, energetic approach to every appointment, and she introduces your child to the world of dentistry with enthusiasm. Kids of all ages enjoy every visit to our office because we make them feel good about their dental health.
When Should My Child See The Dentist?
The Importance Of Early Dental Care
Your child should see Dr. Luck for the first time when they turn one year old, or when their first tooth starts to erupt. Routine appointments with Dr. Luck from a young age have a number of benefits. Frequent visits help your child become more familiar with going to the dentist, and they enable you to develop a better doctor-patient relationship. Starting early at the dentist also helps Dr. Luck track your child’s oral development more effectively throughout their infancy and childhood.
Keep Their Smile Healthy
Oral Exams And Teeth Cleanings
Your child should come in for a teeth cleaning and oral exam every six months. During your appointment, one of our dental hygienists will gently clean their teeth and gums, and look for cavities and signs of other oral health issues. Then, Dr. Luck will examine your child’s mouth, and determine if any further action is necessary. She may also recommend x-rays if she suspects that your child may have an oral issue that cannot be identified with an oral exam alone.
Strengthen Their Teeth
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments can help reverse minor cases of tooth decay, which are sometimes called “soft spots.” As the enamel wears away, the outside of the tooth softens, eventually forming a cavity. A fluoride treatment involves the application of a highly-concentrated fluoride solution to these “soft spots,” allowing them to remineralize and reversing the damage caused by minor tooth decay.
Prevent Cavities From Forming
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants involve a special type of liquid resin that is applied directly to your child’s rear molars after a cleaning. The dental resin hardens into a strong, protective plastic barrier which prevents the teeth from coming into direct contact with oral bacteria and acid. This, in turn, prevents the formation of cavities. Dental sealants can last up to 10 years, so they are a good option if your child is cavity-prone and you would like to avoid the cost of multiple dental fillings or crowns.
benefits of taking your child
to a Family dentist
A family dentist is a specialist in children’s dentistry that has received an additional 2-3 years of education and training outside of traditional dental school. Because of this additional education and specialized training, child dentists are experts in treating deciduous teeth and anticipating potential complications that can arise in the future.
For example, prolonged pacifier use or thumb sucking can cause a host of future oral health problems. A Fort Mill child dentist can help develop a plan to wean your child off of these behaviors, detect early signs of misalignment, and treat problems that have already developed.
Baby teeth are structurally different from permanent teeth because the enamel is thinner. General dentists do not receive specific training in how to treat these teeth without risking damage.
A children's dentist is also trained in child development and psychology so they are great at making children feel comfortable, entertained, and help work with children who have anxiety or special needs.
Many family dentists have a minimum age limit that prevents parents from taking their child to see a dentist when they’re supposed to: by the time they turn one year old or receive their first baby tooth. A dentist can examine your child right away and build a long-term relationship that fosters trust and familiarity.
Other benefits of visiting a children's dentist include:
- Familiarity with the stages of growth in early childhood
- The staff receive training on how to deal with children
- Children's dental offices are designed to keep kids entertained
- Children can be treated until they turn 18
- The relaxing environment reduces stress and fear
- Using the tell-show-do technique so the child understands what’s going to happen
how can I prepare my child
for their first dental visit
You should schedule your child’s first dental appointment as soon as you can. The ADA recommends that children go to the dentist as soon as they receive their first tooth or by the time they turn one at the latest, but you can also take your child to your dentist earlier than this.
You can prepare your child for their appointment by telling them that they’re going to be visiting the dentist shortly before you take them so they don’t spend too much time thinking about it. Telling them the day before or the morning of would be the best time and you should speak about the dentist positively.
Your child may want to know what to expect and get familiar with the environment so feel free to come in for an office tour before the appointment. For children who are feeling anxious or don’t know what to expect, you can try showing them videos or reading books that put going to the dentist in a positive light and talk about the importance of taking care of your teeth.
Use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior, being brave, or getting through the dentist appointment. This can encourage them to conquer their fears and reduce anxiety for future appointments.
how can I help my child
with dental anxiety
If you suffer from dental anxiety as an adult, try not to voice these feelings in front of your child. Your stress and nerves can be a picked-up behavior by your child. By speaking positively about the dentist, your child is less likely to be afraid. However, it is very common and normal for children to fear the dentist.
Some things that can help are allowing them to bring a favorite stuffed animal to the appointment, and answer any questions they may have. At Luck Family Dentalwe do everything we can to ensure your child feels as comfortable as possible.
If your child would like a demonstration or explanation of what is going to happen during the appointment, Dr. Luck can use techniques such as tell-show-do. It can be empowering for your child to have information about the appointment.
For children with significant anxiety, you can also opt for dental sedation. We offer nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, which will make your child feel relaxed, euphoric, and sleepy. Sedation often causes anterograde amnesia, so your child may not remember the appointment afterward.
Schedule an Appointment
For Your Child Only!
If you need a new dentist, Dr. Luck offers compassionate care in a comfortable environment. At Luck Family Dental, we’re happy to treat children and adults of all ages. We offer high-quality, patient-focused care, and you can trust us to take great care of your little ones.
To get started and schedule your appointment, just give us a call at (803) 548-6370, or feel free to drop by our office at 342 Patricia Lane, Suite 101, Fort Mill, SC 29708. Come in today, and take advantage of our new patient special!