What are the benefits of early childhood dental visits?

13 December 2021

 

Your child’s oral health is just as important as any other aspect of their physical development. Their teeth are meant to last a lifetime and with proper care, a balanced diet and regular dental visits, children can have a lifetime of healthy smiles.

When should we take the child to the dentist for the first check-up?

 Prevention and education are key to a lifetime of healthy smiles. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children make their first visit to the dentist before their first birthday or six months after they get their first tooth.

What are the benefits of early childhood dental visits?

 When it comes to young patients, the main goal of our clinic team is to make each child's first visit to the dentist full of calm, fun and positive experiences. The sooner children begin regular dental visits, the better their chances are for a lifetime of healthy smiles. These early checkups are the best way to prevent tooth decay and cavities. When children have healthy teeth, they can chew food easily, learn to speak clearly and smile with confidence.

Here are 4 benefits for regular early childhood dental visits.       

1. Ease fear and create a familiarity with dental care

 Children need to feel comfortable and safe in their surroundings, especially new places. Beginning visits early helps kids get used to the dentist’s office, sounds and smells. Our goal is to make coming to the dentist a fun experience. You can expect smiling faces and a welcoming atmosphere from the moment your child walks through the door.

     2. Develop healthy dental habits

 It’ s important for the child to start learning  oral hygiene habits as soon as possible. A regular visit to the dentist will help them understand how to use a toothbrush and floss, as well as what caries is and how it can be prevented. Useful oral care habits, formed at an early age, will follow your little one throughout life.

    3. Prevention of dental problems

 Children’s teeth are highly susceptible to tooth decay. Early and regular pediatric dental care can help prevent tooth and gum decay. Detecting cavities in baby teeth is absolutely critical, as a lack of care could lead to even more severe tooth issues in the future. Dental visits that begin early in a child’s life increase our chances of detecting any developing dental problems early.  The child, at an early stage of development, may need to take action, which includes sealing procedures (same as tooth sealing). With the timely help of a dentist, problems with the orthodontic function may be detected and treated, which will reduce the duration and cost of further orthodontic treatment.

    4. Parental support and education

 The most essential part of children’s dental care is what happens every day at home. We can serve as your dental “coaches” to help you get on the right track with daily brushing and flossing, as well as give you helpful tips about healthy nutrition and what to do in emergency situations. A dentist can also help with other problems  linked to oral cavity, such as problems with the removal of baby teeth, thumb sucking in little ones (which can later lead to orthodontic problems), or problems with cleaning teeth (flossing and brushing).