Quality Dental Care for Our Youngest Patients
The best way to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles is to find a great dentist to handle their pediatric dental care. Creating positive associations with dental care when your child is young is very important to the habits they will take with them the rest of their life. Ft. Oglethorpe Dr. Nancy Snyder is committed to making dental care gentle yet thorough, in a fun and comfortable environment. Treatment is personalized to the unique needs of the child. Our littlest patients love her energy and parents appreciate her focus on preventing serious dental problems down the line.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit when his or her first tooth appears, no later than his or her first birthday. During this visit, your child will get to know and become comfortable with Dr. Snyder and our team. This helps build trust and put the child at ease during dental treatment. The doctor will also give you valuable tips for keeping your child’s teeth clean and protecting them from decay or other damage.
After the first visit, the AAPD recommends scheduling check-ups at least every six months to prevent cavities and other dental problems from occurring — more often if Dr. Snyder recommends it based on the child’s personal oral health.
Exams and Cleanings
Pediatric dental cleanings usually start around the age of 3 and continue throughout childhood. These cleanings help prevent the buildup of bacteria, cavities, gum disease and other problems. Dental X-rays may be taken during these visits to help identify oral health problems a visual exam can miss.
Fluoride and Sealants
Fluoride and sealants are great tools to prevent cavities. Dr. Snyder can evaluate the level of fluoride in your child’s primary water source, and advise whether fluoride treatments or supplements can help. Sealants are small plastic pieces that fill the crevices of the teeth’s chewing surfaces, keeping food particles from getting caught and causing cavities. Dr. Snyder can recommend whether your child could benefit from sealants while they are young.
Fillings
In the event that your child does develop a cavity, Dr. Snyder can place a filling over the affected tooth. She can review the types of fillings available and help you select the most appropriate choice.
Mouth Guards
Older children that participate in sports should be fitted by Dr. Snyder for a mouth guard to protect their teeth, gums, lips and cheeks from related injuries. Custom mouth guards fit better and feel more comfortable in the mouth than stock guards, so children are more likely to wear them regularly.
Emergency Dental Care
When dental emergencies happen, Dr. Snyder is available to quickly solve the problem, whether a tooth is knocked out, the tongue, lips or cheeks are cut or a tooth aches. She recommends keeping our office’s phone number handy in case an emergency occurs.
Schedule a Pediatric Dentistry Visit
To schedule an appointment for your child to see Dr. Snyder, please call or email Fort Oglethorpe Dental today.