Proper oral hygiene is a vital part of your child’s overall health and wellness. Part of your parental responsibilities is to ensure that your children adopt the right dental care practices as early as possible. It may also involve taking them to the children’s dentists every six months for teeth inspection and cleaning.
When Should You Schedule Your First Visit to the Kid’s Dentist?
The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend scheduling your first appointment after the first tooth erupts and no later than their first birthday. Sadly, over 75% of parents decide to skip this vital milestone for their children. Baby teeth are just as important as permanent teeth. Tooth decay in primary teeth may result in a higher risk of decay in adult teeth, which can harm your child’s overall health.
The Importance of Dentistry for Children
Over 40% of kids develop dental cavities before joining kindergarten. This startling statistic shows the consequences of neglecting dental care and its effects on innocent children. A study conducted by the Center for Health and Healthcare in Schools also showed that kids lose over 51 million school hours annually due to a dental-related illness.
Taking your child to a dentist is one way to ensure that they receive the right dental care. Here are three advantages of visiting a family dentist with your child:
1. Introduction to Proper Dental Care Practices
Good oral hygiene habits are developed right from infancy. Bringing your child along with you as you visit your family dentist may help instill positive dental care habits in them. Your child will grow up understanding the importance of good dental hygiene and may stick with these lessons even as an adult. They can learn how to brush and floss their teeth properly. The twice annual dental office visits may become a routine for them.
2. Prevent Tooth Decay
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, over 42% of children between 2 and 11 had decayed primary teeth. Dental caries is the most common chronic illness affecting kids, ahead of diabetes and asthma. Teeth decay can cause tooth loss or gum disease later in their adult life. A trip to the dental office can help create a prevention plan for your child by establishing proper oral care habits. You can learn how to clean your infant’s teeth to keep the mouth healthy. The routine tooth-cleaning exercises every six months may help prevent plaque build-up.
3. Access to Professional Advice About Dental Care
Dental care provides dentists with a chance to advise you on how best to protect your child’s teeth. The dentist can gently examine your kid’s teeth for any decay or dental problems. Your child may also receive a tooth-cleaning that can help eradicate the plaque and tartar build-up. Besides, you can learn more about the right diet for healthy gums and teeth. The family dentist may also help you break bad oral habits in your child, such as thumb sucking.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Good oral health practices are vital for keeping your child healthy. A trip to the dentist can help provide the dental care that they need to have strong teeth and gums. If you are searching for a dentist’s office for your kid in Lowell, MA, call Lowell Dental Arts today!