Frequently Asked Questions
Are Regular Dental Cleanings Necessary?
At Smile Center for Kids we know how busy your life can be. Getting your child to the dentist on a regular basis can be quite difficult, as well as helping your child to maintain proper oral hygiene. By making sure your child sees the dentist regularly in addition to home care will help keep hygiene problems away and catch more potentially serious problems before they become painful for your child or costly to you.
Does My Child Need To See A Dentist Even If Their Teeth Feel Fine?
Yes! It’s very important to schedule routine exams and cleanings with your child’s dentist and here at Smile Center for Kids, Dr. Greg Wilson recommends coming in twice a year. Because most dental problems don’t have obvious symptoms at first, catching those problems early will save a lot of anguish, time, money, and hassle. Not only can we identify problems before they become painful and expensive, we can also help keep your child’s smile healthy and looking great.
At What Age Should I Bring My Child To See The Dentist?
Professionals throughout the dental industry as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend starting dental checkups as early as six months of age. On average, this is when a child’s teeth begin to show. At Smile Center for Kids we will examine the health of your child’s first few teeth, check for proper growth development, assess soft tissues, and the oral airway. Proper oral hygiene, diet, and toothpaste type will also be discussed.
When Should I Change My Child’s Toothbrush?
We recommend getting a new toothbrush for your child at least every three months. If your child is using an electronic toothbrush, check the recommendation for the type of toothbrush because you may not have to change the brush head as often. If your child has gum disease, Dr. Wilson highly recommends you change your child’s toothbrush more often. After brushing, it’s very important to wash and rinse their brush out with hot water and then store it upright in a place it can dry between uses. This will help in the prevention of germs and bacteria as well as keep their toothbrush clean.
How Do I Know If My Child Has Gum Disease?
Plaque and bacteria naturally build up in everyone’s mouth, and when this buildup is not countered sufficiently with brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings twice a year, it can cause gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Risk factors for gum disease include smoking and chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, certain medications, certain cancers, and genetics. Advanced forms of periodontal disease can cause bone and tooth loss as well as permanent damage. Dr. Wilson recommends brushing and flossing daily and scheduling dental appointments every 6 months to best fight and prevent gum disease.
Do You Accept Dental Insurance?
Yes! At Smile Center for Kids, we are an unrestricted practice, which means we accept most insurance and PPO plans, Chip, or Medicaid. We are happy to help answer any insurance questions you may have in order to help you maximize your insurance savings when you come to our office. Please call us directly at our Sunland (WEST) location (915) 213-1200 or our Edgemere (EAST) location (915) 493-6310 and have your insurance information available so we can best answer your questions and help you reserve your child’s appointment.
What Payment Methods Do You Accept?
For your convenience, we accept cash, cashier’s checks, Visa, Master Card, Amex, and Discover. We also provide financial arrangement options as well as third party financing that allows you to finance your child’s treatment needs in a way that fits your budget. If you would like to discuss different financial options we have available, please feel free to contact us today.