You remember that day like it was yesterday. You were scared and excited, and you’d planned for everything – diaper bags, a crib, onesies – you were ready for your baby to arrive. You and your husband rushed off to Texas Presbyterian in Denton, and brought the baby into the world. The time flew by and she grew up so fast! She started to teethe, started to walk, and the next thing you know, she’s in the bathroom trying to copy mom’s tooth brushing technique. Now that it’s time for a dentist, who better to trust with your baby than the best children’s dentist in Denton?
What’s Different About Children’s Dentistry?
Since kids are growing and developing their motor skills, brushing and flossing is very important, especially considering that 42% of kids have cavities. That’s nearly half of kids ages 2-5 years old! In fact, tooth decay is the most common childhood disease. Dr. Leatherwood knows that kids are often afraid of the dentist, just because a dental visit is a brand new experience for little ones. And, being a mom, she’s had plenty of experience in calming the fears of kiddos. She and her staff take the time to make sure their smallest patients are treated like the biggest stars in the office and help kids look forward to coming back for their next visit.
Are Baby Teeth That Important?
Since baby teeth eventually fall out, you may wonder why it’s important to practice proper dental care on something that will eventually belong to the tooth fairy. Baby teeth are important because:
- They help kids chew healthy food correctly, fostering proper nutrition
- They help kids to talk and develop proper speech
- They act as place holders for adult teeth – saving room in the jaw for proper adult tooth development
- Healthy baby teeth allow kids to concentrate in school, rather than being distracted by dental pain
- A beautiful smile provides kids self-confidence and increases self-esteem
- They teach kids responsibility and the importance of dental care while young
Even though they may not be permanent, baby teeth are vital to kids’ development!
What Does Dr. Leatherwood Do for Kids’ Teeth?
At Leatherwood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Leatherwood and her team take the following steps to ensure your kids get a great start at dental hygiene:
- First visit and dental care regimen begins at age 2-3
- Specialty treatment from a trained children’s dental hygienist
- Education on how to brush and floss properly
- Dental sealants to protect teeth
- Fluoride treatments to prevent cavities
- Natural colored fillings to treat decay
Dr. Leatherwood’s approach as a pediatric dentist in Denton is to treat kids like they’re her own – she and her staff focus on teaching kids to value and prioritize their dental health, building healthy habits at a young age that will last a lifetime.
Have a kiddo who needs a cleaning, checkup, or filling? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Samantha Leatherwood at Leatherwood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today!