Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends scheduling routine checkups and cleanings for your child every six months? Unfortunately, some well-meaning parents and guardians mistakenly believe that they don’t need to worry about their kids’ oral health until they have a full set of teeth, and by then, the damage might already be done.
If you haven’t taken your little one in for a visit in a while, continue reading to learn 3 benefits of catching problems early that might motivate you to call their pediatric dentist!
Reason #1: Avoid Potential Discomfort
If you have a baby or a toddler at home, they’re likely still too small to be able to tell you when they’re having a problem. They haven’t yet learned to speak to express themselves, so they might simply become fussy and frustrated instead.
This is especially true if they have a dental problem, like sore connective tissues or aching teeth. If you notice your little one struggling to eat or acting out during mealtimes, it may be due to oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease, or injuries. Regular appointments enable their provider to monitor their condition, catch and address potential problems, and prevent or alleviate dental pain.
Reason #2: Preserve Their Dental Health
It’s easy to assume that you don’t need to worry about cavities in your child’s baby teeth because they’ll eventually fall out anyway. However, tooth decay is contagious, and can spread to their jawbone, gums, and adult teeth that are still growing. That means if they develop caries as a kid, it can potentially detract from their oral condition as an adult, too.
Thankfully, most oral issues can be prevented with a consistent at-home daily dental hygiene routine of brushing and flossing both morning and night, combined with regular dental visits to remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup.
Reason #3: Establish Healthy Habits
Young minds seem to soak up information like sponges, so why not expose them to situations that can help them establish healthy habits that will serve them for the remainder of their lives? Although you’re responsible for helping your child care for their teeth and gums during their youth, they will eventually become adults who will need to implement their own routines.
Taking them to see their dentist regularly impresses on them the importance of regular preventive care. They’ll be accustomed to seeing their provider consistently, meaning they’ll be more likely to continue to schedule appointments when they’re older.
Taking your kid to see their pediatric dentist every six months is a simple and effective way to safeguard their smile ongoing!
Meet the Author
Dr. Sheh Vahid enjoys helping children of all ages build and maintain their most beautiful and healthiest teeth and gums. She earned her dental doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and then completed a general residency with a focus on pediatrics at the University of Rochester Eastman Dental Center. Now, she’s a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and provides a wide range of services to meet even the most unique needs for still-developing smiles. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (678) 498-2878.