You want the best for your child. This includes making sure they see a doctor often, as well as a dentist. When is the right time to take your child to see a children’s dentist? It may be earlier than you initially thought. Medical and dental professionals recommend that children see a family dentist by the time they turn one, or within six months following the appearance of their first tooth. A child’s primary teeth tend to start growing in at six months of age.
Primary teeth, or baby teeth, are actually very important. Per the AAPD, baby teeth should be kept as healthy as possible and in place until they naturally fall out. There are many reasons why primary teeth are so important. They help kids chew properly so they can maintain healthy nutrition. They are also involved in good speech development. Baby teeth also save space for a child’s permanent teeth.
Ultimately, when a healthy smile is promoted, children feel better about how they look. Look at baby teeth as the first step to achieving great lifelong oral health. Children need to understand and learn many things about their oral health including the proper techniques for flossing and brushing. Dentistry for kids positively instills this and gives parents the benefit of learning how to take good care of their children’s teeth.
It is imperative for people of every age to schedule a dental checkup every 6 months. When you are scheduling a visit with a pediatric dentist, understand that the first visit is mostly going to be about helping your child get used to the office and dentist’s chair. Initially, dentistry for kids is about educating parents.
Children between the ages of 4 and 6 will receive their first set of dental x-rays used to check for cavities between their teeth. Prevention is the focal point for kids aged 6 to 12. This is when their baby teeth are starting to fall out to make way for permanent teeth.
Sometimes, pediatric dentists suggest a sealant be used anywhere from age 7 to 9 to protect from cavities. The plastic resin will bond to the surface of teeth to further protect them, especially cavity-prone molars. The resin does a wonderful job keeping bacteria that causes cavities from sinking into the valleys and grooves of teeth.
The basics of dentistry for kids include instilling good daily brushing and flossing habits as well as attending regular dental checkups. Those aspects have the most impact on a child’s dental health and smile. Understanding the basics explained by a child’s dentist will give you and your child the ability to keep their oral hygiene in great shape.
Dentistry for kids is all about preventing trouble before it presents itself. Even a baby’s first tooth presents risks for discoloration and decay. Dentists can keep a close eye on the dental health of infants to prevent cavities since a baby cannot receive in-office sedation for treatments. You and your child’s dentist can keep them from ending up in an operating room using general anesthesia for the repair of a few cavities.
Kids can stay in their parent’s lap during dental exams. Usually, exams for toddlers and babies are not traumatic or too long. Children’s dentists usually have many things on hand such as stickers and toys to use as positive rewards too. The more you take your child to the dentist, the more comfortable they will become. Build a positive rapport with your child’s dentist so they understand that dental care is important and helps keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Contact Dr. Camps Pediatric Dental Center today to schedule your child’s first dental appointment.
