Dental health is important no matter what age you are; however, pediatric dentistry can play a profound roll in helping your child maintain a lifelong healthy mouth. While everyone should have a check-up with their dentist every six months, the age in which children should begin this routine is age one! That may sound too young for a dentist visit, but the truth is that this early intervention can help set kids up for success and give parents important tips on both teething and how to best keep new teeth clean.
Tooth decay is prevalent in children throughout the United States, and if left untreated, can lead to pain and infection that can impede speech, eating, and concentration. It’s estimated that one out of every five children has an untreated cavity, and while that might sound frightening, the good news is that we can help prevent it! Through proper brushing, flossing, and rinsing your children can learn to better care for their teeth and prevent future painful cavities. This is one reason that dental care for kids should never be overlooked and that starting as soon as possible should be priority number one.
Pediatric dentists specialize in children’s dentistry and know how to best care for and treat young children. Because of this, parents can trust that their child will have the best experience possible when they get into the dentist’s chair. Furthermore, pediatric dentists can help give parents invaluable advice that can help teach them how to better take care of their children’s teeth. For instance, many pediatric dentists will advise that allowing children to fall asleep with a milk or juice bottle, can contribute to the development of cavities due to the sugars and bacteria being left in the mouth. This is why dentists also advise brushing before going to sleep as it allows your mouth to be cleaner, inhibiting bacterial growth that can lead to decay.
If you have a young child, the importance of scheduling regular visits with a pediatric dentist cannot be overstated. If it’s been at least six months since your child’s last check-up, don’t hesitate to reach out and set up an appointment. While it might seem like a small step now, these visits can help set your child up for a lifelong healthy smile.
