The Importance of Taking Your Child to the Dentist from an Early Age
Routine pediatric dental care is essential for maintaining your child’s overall health and wellness. That’s why the American Dental Association recommends that children be seen by their pediatric dentist shortly after the eruption of their first tooth or by their first birthday. Continue reading for more information on the importance of early dental care for your child.
Treating and Preventing Tooth Decay
Your child’s teeth are susceptible to cavities as soon as they erupt from the gums. In fact, children are often more susceptible to cavities than adults due to the higher levels of sugar in their diets, which encourage plaque buildup and increase the risk of decay. Furthermore, many parents today choose to provide their children with bottled water, which contains smaller amounts of fluoride than tap water. Having your child undergo a routine checkup with his or her pediatric dentist is a great way to rule out the presence of cavities and to learn about preventative measures for dental care, such as dental sealants.
Identifying Abnormalities
In addition to providing an opportunity to assess your child’s risk for tooth decay, early dental care enables your child’s pediatric dentist to identify any developmental abnormalities of the teeth, jaws, and gingival tissue that may lead to complications later. With early identification, your dentist may be able to treat these issues more effectively.
Teaching Your Child Proper Oral Hygiene
One of the most important reasons to have your child visit a pediatric dentist at an early age is to help establish proper brushing and flossing habits. The dentist will be able to explain and demonstrate oral hygiene habits in a child-friendly way. You may consider allowing your child to choose his or her own ADA-approved toothbrush following the first dental appointment, as this may help your child become more excited about oral hygiene.
Make sure you are protecting your child’s oral health by contacting the pediatric and family dentists of Northern Virginia Dental Associates at (888) 862-0095. We can assess your child’s teeth and provide any necessary treatments. We also offer cosmetic dentistry, restorative care, periodontal services, and implant restoration.
- Loading comments...
