Anticipatory Guidance

Milestone Kids Dentistry is ready to help your family with everything your child needs for an outstanding smile. Schedule an appointment now to discover more about anticipatory guidance!

What Is Anticipatory Guidance?

Anticipatory guidance in pediatric dentistry is how we measure and prepare for significant developmental milestones in your child’s life. As your child starts to grow up, they will need someone looking out for them to help avoid sugar bugs (cavities). We measure changes like growth delays, injuries, oral hygiene, and tooth eruption. Changes in these areas may signal spots where your child needs a little more attention.

Achieving a bright and happy smile involves teaching your little ones some tools that will last a lifetime. Showing kids how to use a toothbrush, make healthy food choices, and break thumbsucking habits can help you avoid costly procedures in the future.

Milestone Kids Dentistry is dedicated to helping kids on their journey to lasting dental health in Washington. Our office is a judgment-free environment that feels more like hanging out with friends than visiting the dentist. Schedule an appointment now!

What Does Anticipatory Guidance Cover

Anticipatory guidance includes many types of learning and listening opportunities. We will collaborate with you and help teach your kiddo healthy habits. Anticipatory guidance can include include:

Oral Hygiene

Being a caregiver for a child can be full of tough questions. Like, when do you start brushing and flossing? Should you do it for them? Or should your child be in charge of their brushing? We will show you easy home care techniques for how your child can achieve a thorough and consistent cleaning between teeth tickling (cleaning) appointments.

Non-Nutritive Habits

While early use of pacifiers or thumbsucking are normal for kids, these habits become risky as they grow up. Many parents are surprised to learn that extended thumbsucking can affect the teeth and their related structures. Positive reinforcement can help interrupt the habit, and curb long term effects from pacifier use or thumbsucking.

Nutrition Education

Healthy and yummy foods help strengthen your child’s smile. We provide non-judgmental nutritional education that teaches children and parents the importance of balancing good food choices and the occasional treat! No matter what your child’s dietary preference, we will help them find nutritional and tasty food options.

Injury Prevention

Safeguarding your little one from injuries is an important part of anticipatory guidance. Facial trauma can affect their facial symmetry and cause damaged, fractured, or lost teeth. By taking proactive steps and teaching children to play safely around tripping hazards like electrical cords we can help them cut down on the likelihood of injury.

Fluoride

Frequent exposure to fluoride treatments can help reduce the risk of tooth decay. Fluoride treatments help the teeth soak up essential minerals while it rebuilds and strengthens the tooth and enamel. Proper fluoridation can even reverse tooth decay in some children!

Oral Growth & Development

Learning to speak and interact is an important part of childhood. As your kid’s teeth emerge, they may show signs of speech difficulties. Appliances may help clear up many of these inconsistencies. Many children are able to communicate better without protruding or crooked teeth.

Get Amazing Kids Dental Care Near You

We help children of all ages find a dental routine that makes sense for their unique needs. Our specialists collaborate with parents and children to find the best possible routine. Proper anticipatory guidance can help your child enjoy a beautiful and full smile.

Milestone Kids Dentistry is here for every stage of your child’s life. From newborns to high school-aged teens we are proud to help every child on their smile journey. See for yourself by scheduling your initial appointment now. We also offer the option to call or text us. Experience Milestone Kids Dentistry now!