Lap Exam - Ages 1 to 2 • Sierra Kids Dentistry
Reno, NV
 Between ages one and two, your child will have many teeth erupt. In fact, the American Dental Association explains that, of the twenty primary teeth your baby has, fourteen of them typically erupt between ages one and two. Because there is so much dental development at this age, it is critical that your child receive professional routine dental care. Our pediatric dental professionals at Sierra Kids Dentistry provide dental exams for all ages and ensure that your child’s teeth develop properly.
The Importance of Age 1 to 2 Visits
Dental development at young ages can impact oral health in later years. Routine dental visits between ages one and two monitor for proper development. These exams allow our dentists to see issues early and resolve them before they cause permanent damage or any infection. In addition, visits at this age are essential for your child to build a positive relationship with seeing our dentists. This helps your child become comfortable with the procedures and gives our dentists the opportunity to educate you on dental health topics.
Exams and Cleaning
Dental exams and cleanings at this age are very light compared to exams and cleanings in older children and adults. However, our dentists still provide a thorough examination of your baby’s mouth. This includes checking the condition of teeth that have already erupted and the condition of the gums, to determine if there are any underlying concerns. The cleanings involve light brushing and flossing (if two or more teeth are touching). This process is gentle but provides more of a cleaning than you would be able to at home.
With older children and adults, dental appointments are usually done every six months. However, with children one to two years old, our dentist may recommend more frequent appointments. This is done for several reasons. First, since this is the age that children are becoming more comfortable with the dentist, more frequent appointments help the process go much easier. Second, there is a lot of dental development and change at this age. Because of this, more frequent appointments may be recommended to ensure that the teeth and mouth are growing as they should.
Dental Care at Home
Our dentist will consult with you at these appointments regarding nutrition, at-home dental care, and any other dental concerns you may have. In general, you should try to limit sugar as much as possible in your child’s diet. Cavities can occur as soon as the first tooth erupts, and sugar is the leading cause of cavities in children. In addition, dark colored drinks, and foods (ex. fruit) can lead to discoloration in the teeth.
For babies ages one to two, you should brush their teeth with a toothbrush designed for infants. These are soft-bristled toothbrushes that are small enough to fit in their mouth. Generally, our dentist will recommend a toothpaste with fluoride since this mineral helps to strengthen teeth. You will need to brush twice daily and floss once a day. You should also wipe their gums and mouth with a moist washcloth after they eat or drink to ensure that there is no residue on the teeth. To schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentist, contact Sierra Kids Dentistry at (775) 473-1247 today. |
