A child's first visit to the pediatric dentist may be tempting to postpone, but it should not be delayed. Read on to learn about the importance of dental checkups. Starting at the recommended age can keep a child's teeth healthy while laying the foundations for a lifetime of proper care.
Regular dental checkups should start at a young age. This beneficial practice can prevent unnecessary oral health issues as a baby as well as later in life.
Baby teeth play an important role in long-term oral health. The recommendation of the American Dental Association is to schedule the first dental appointment within six months of the first tooth erupting, and no later than the age of 1. From then on, checkups and cleanings should be scheduled once every six months.
Home care is crucial for cavity prevention but it is not enough on its own. Professional cleanings and checkups are essential because they provide:
Without these helpful benefits at an early age, children could experience a host of issues, from severe decay and tooth loss to speech issues, digestive problems, and major alignment concerns.
The first visit with a pediatric dentist is usually simple. Still, parents and children alike should start preparing with picture books, songs, and shows that introduce kids to the basics of a dental office.
Around age 1, the dentist conducts a visual exam and a simple cleaning using a soft toothbrush. Most of the time, the baby lays across the parent's lap on a mat so the dentist can easily access the teeth. The dentist can also use this time to discuss eating habits, home care, and strategies for handling things like transitioning from a bottle or finger-sucking.
For the first year or two, dental checkups continue to look very similar. Flossing is eventually added to cleanings and the pediatric dentist may recommend fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel. If pacifier use or finger-sucking continues into age 3 or 4, intervention may be needed to prevent alignment and development issues.
Once children reach the age of 4, they have often become more comfortable with visits to the dentist's office. At this age, checkups and cleanings start to look more like adult appointments. The child typically sits in the examination chair and the dentist uses tools and instruments to clean and scale the teeth and inspect the gums. X-rays may be performed if there are concerns about decay, infection, or tooth development.
The following are the answers to some commonly asked questions about pediatric dentistry:
Pediatric dentistry visits are recommended once every four to six months for most children. This is, of course, the same as it is for teenagers and adults. More frequent visits may be recommended when treating certain oral health concerns or during orthodontic (or early orthodontic) care.
You can help your child avoid dental anxiety by creating positive associations with visiting the dentist, such as taking them to a movie after their visits. Of course, when your child is still an infant or toddler, it is imperative to also visit a pediatric dentist that is friendly, has a friendly staff, and understands how to communicate well with younger patients.
The majority of caring for your child’s teeth happens between visits to the pediatric dentist. Your pediatric dentist can work with you to develop a healthy oral care routine for your child, which should include properly and regularly brushing teeth, flossing, avoiding dental trauma (e.g., wearing a mouthguard), and making smart dietary choices.
The first visit to the pediatric dentist should happen around age 1, once baby teeth start to grow in. Professional care is important during this time because it can help prevent decay and damage while setting a child up for success in dental and overall health.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Richmond, TX.
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