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When should your kids visit an orthodontist? Many orthodontists and the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) suggest you should take your kids to see one at around age 7. Why? Kids start to develop their permanent teeth at around that age. Orthodontists can ensure your kids’ permanent teeth develop well. But apart from this, here are several more reasons why you should take your child to see your family dentist at an early age:

Correct Harmful Oral Behavior

Taking your child to the orthodontist at an early age can help to correct potentially harmful oral habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and extended pacifier use. Fixing these issues early on can prevent them from getting worse. For example, if not corrected early, prolonged pacifier use can misalign your child’s teeth. A visit to the local dentist can stop your child from adopting bad oral habits.

Resolve Sleep Apnea

If your child snores or gasps for air while sleeping, it could be a sign of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder where breathing during sleep is irregular. While it is mainly caused by obesity, it can also be caused by an overbite in children. Working together with ENTs, orthodontists can treat sleep apnea and give your child a peaceful night’s sleep.

Create Room for Crowded Teeth

Overcrowding happens when the space in the mouth is inadequate for permanent teeth to grow straight. While it is commonly caused by having a small jaw, it can also be caused by failure to remove baby teeth early. Early visits to the children’s dentist can ensure your child’s over-retained milk teeth are removed to prevent overcrowding. On the other hand, if your child is found to have a small jaw, it can be widened to prevent overcrowding.

Aid Tooth Eruption

Early orthodontic treatment can enable the detection of any early issues that can affect your child’s teeth development. When you take your child to visit the dentist, x-rays can be done to check unerupted teeth. If it appears that there is inadequate room for your child’s teeth to erupt, your orthodontist can take measures to ensure they erupt properly.

Prevent Trauma to the Front Teeth

Taking your child to the orthodontist at age seven can reduce the front teeth from protruding. Protruding front teeth are more susceptible to dental trauma. While dental trauma can be treated in adolescence and adulthood using interventions such as modern dental implants, taking your child to the orthodontist early on can prevent it from happening.

Promote Oral Hygiene

While orthodontists are commonly associated with straightening teeth and treatments such as modern dental implants, braces, and Invisalign, they can promote your child’s oral health too. For instance, if your child has overcrowded teeth, cleaning them will be difficult. If left untreated, crowded teeth can lead to dental issues such as tooth decay, gum diseases, and even tooth loss. While these issues can be resolved in adulthood with treatments such as bridges, bone grafts, and modern dental implants, preventing them before they exacerbate is more prudent.

Boost Self-Confidence

Last but not least, misaligned teeth can make your child feel self-conscious. Early orthodontic treatment can correct misaligned teeth and other issues that can dampen your child’s spirits. Thus, it can boost your child’s self-esteem and allow your child to smile with confidence.

Taking your child to the dentist at age seven can promote healthy teeth development and much more. To ensure your child’s teeth develop well, schedule an appointment with Lowell Dental Arts to give your child a radiant smile. And to learn more about our other treatments, such as root canal treatments, dentures, crowns, modern dental implants, and more, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Every milestone in your baby’s life is an enigma. You never know when your baby will say their first word, get their first rash or flu, take their first step, or visit a pediatric dentist. Read on below to learn what to expect when taking your child for their first dentist visit.

When is the Right Time?

According to the American Dental Association, babies get their first tooth at nearly six months old. If your baby’s teeth have not started growing by then, plan to visit the best dentist in the local Lowell, MA, area before your child’s first birthday. Otherwise, rule of thumb is to take your baby to the dentist once the first baby tooth erupts.

Why this early? 1 in 5 children under the age of five suffers from tooth decay and other dental complications. This age is perfect because a qualified pediatric dentist will notice any abnormal developments that need immediate treatment. Furthermore, your toddler’s dentist will have a steady track of your baby’s dental health for future reference.

Taking your baby to the best dentist in Lowell, MA, ensures a healthy foundation for his/her smile in the future, even after losing baby teeth.

Preparation

Before visiting your pediatric dentist, keep in mind that it is the first time your baby is visiting the dentist. Your baby may be scared of the unfamiliar faces, dental equipment, and change of environment. Therefore, it is essential to prepare yourself and your child accordingly. To do so, follow the steps below:

• Fill out any necessary documents before the day of the appointment
• Write a list of any concerns and questions you may have for your pediatric dentist
• Never interfere with your baby’s naptime – ensure your child has had enough rest to avoid a cranky or irritable mood during their first appointment
• Clean your child’s teeth before the appointment – use gauze or cloth if you do not have a soft toothbrush. Also, avoid fluoridated toothpaste.
• Feeding them a light meal keeps babies happy and prevents a fussy baby or hunger tantrum
• Be positive on your way to the best dentist – this helps elevate your baby’s spirit and eliminate fear
• After the appointment, have a fun activity planned – your child will relate a visit to the dentist with a reward, making future visits easier
• To give your child the best experience, select the best dentist in your region

What to Expect

The main thing your pediatric dentist will do at your child’s first dentist appointment is evaluate your baby’s oral development. This assessment includes the gums, jaws, teeth, tongue, etc., to check for any dental problems or potential issues. At this point, the dentist will detect cavities and mouth injuries that may be worrisome.

Expect your pediatric dentist to offer preventive tips and schedule a consequent visit (usually after 6-12 months). Normally, the best dentist provides advice on eating habits, fluoride intake or lack of, thumb sucking, and the use of pacifiers. Regular visits to the best dentist in your area will guarantee your child never suffers from dental complications.

There is a lot to consider before taking your baby to their first dentist appointment, especially for new parents. To ensure your baby’s teeth are developing properly, schedule your baby’s first appointment with the best dentist in your local Lowell, MA, area. With the new parent tips above, your baby will be on his/her way to a happy, healthy and long-lasting smile. For the best dental care services including dentistry for babies, toddlers and children of all ages, visit Lowell Dental Arts, the best pediatric dentist in Lowell, MA.

According to a survey by Delta Dental Plans Association, 42% of Americans do not see their local dentist as often as they would like. While 82% acknowledge that oral care is extremely vital to their overall health, only one in four respondents were content about the health of their mouths, teeth, and gums.

Recognizing the importance of the biannual dental visit is a great start. The next step is to find the right local dentist for your family. Here are seven tips to guide you during the selection process.

1. Dentist’s Credentials and Qualifications

The top reason patients change dental offices is due to poor quality care. You need to ensure that the local dentist that you pick is qualified. Verify the credentials of the “dentist near me” through the state dental board’s website. Check if they have an active license and if there are any complaints lodged against them.

2. Local Dental Office Location

Location is another key aspect to keep in mind when picking the family dentist. While teeth cleanings and routine inspections may not be urgent, you may not wish to see your child agonizing in pain over a broken tooth because the dentist’s office is too far away. Proximity to your home, school, or workplace may make it easier to access the dental care you need.

3. Dental Practice Operational Hours

Choose a local dentist with reasonable office hours. When looking at the dental practice hours, inquire about emergency dental care services. Dental emergencies occur at the most inopportune times. You may need a readily accessible family dental office in Lowell to take care of your child.

4. Dental Care Services Provided

You may need to find a local dentist that will provide all-around dental care for your family. Common dental care services include dental implants, teeth cleaning, dental fillings, teeth whitening, dental exams, and surgical extractions. Find a dentist that will manage the dental care needs of all members of the family.

5. Insurance

Your dental insurance can help you offset some of the out-of-pocket costs at the local dentist. You may need to find a family dentist that accepts your plan to maximize the benefits. Contact the dental office to inquire about their payment plans. You can also request your insurance company to provide a list of in-network dentists.

6. Patient Comfort

The dentist-patient relationship often develops over decades of routine teeth cleaning and dental exams. You may need to pick out a dentist that all your family members are comfortable with. Pick a local dentist with a great bedside manner. Your family may have to see the dentist twice a year, and everyone needs to be comfortable.

7. Referrals and Recommendations

The easiest way to find proper Lowell dental care services is through referrals from friends, family, or other healthcare providers. You can create a list of family dentists that you will then research. Narrow down the potential candidates before setting up your first appointment.
Ensure You Get Your Family the Best Dentist

Choosing a dentist plays a big role in how your family members feel about oral health. You can set up your family for the right dental care through Lowell Dental Arts. Call us today to schedule an appointment for you and your kids.

You want your child to have healthy teeth and gums from an early age. However, do you know when you should take your child to the dentist? You aren’t alone if you aren’t sure about the answer to this question. Many parents do not know when they should schedule that first dental care appointment to see a children’s dentist. Is it time when you see their first tooth coming in? Or should they already have all of their baby teeth?

Make Sure Your Child Has the Best Dental Care

It is important to note that the first time you take your child to the dentist, they may not receive treatment immediately. Per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, it is ideal to schedule a visit with a children’s dentist within 6 months of the first baby tooth erupting, but don’t wait too long. Arrange for your child to see a dentist no later than the age of 2. Additionally, orthodontists recommend that kids get evaluated when their permanent teeth start to come in, typically around the age of 7.

If your child only has just a few teeth, do you still need to arrange for an appointment so early? This is a common question among parents. The answer is yes. The first appointment is more about introducing children to the dental office and a children’s dentist.

Your child’s first visit may not even include an actual exam. There may be a peek inside their mouth to make sure all of your child’s teeth are emerging correctly without any major issues. Dentistry for children is all about making them comfortable and acclimating them to the atmosphere. The overall goal is to build a relationship of trust and awareness. This helps eliminate fears and overcome dental anxiety.

Continue Visiting the Dentist

In order to fully create comfort and trust, you need to keep taking your child to the dentist. After the first visit, you should make appointments to visit the dentist every 6 months, unless their dentist recommends treatment before then.

The second visit is typically when a children’s dentist will start working on child’s teeth. This includes counting the number of teeth as well as brushing and polishing their teeth. It’s not quite a full exam but easing them into being even more comfortable visiting a family dentist.

Full Dental Exams Start at Age 3

At the age of 3, your child is ready for a full dental exam. They may start fluoride treatments at this time. Dentistry for kids includes teaching them how to thoroughly brush and floss their teeth at a young age. Parents are encouraged to participate and assist their children when it comes to properly caring for their teeth at home.

Dental care for children consists of brushing their teeth twice a day for two minutes. You may want to find a children’s toothbrush that has a light that flashes or a built-in timer to show when they are done. Children’s dentists also recommend finding fun songs or games to play to reach that two-minute goal.

Good Dental Care Advice for Parents

Ensure your child has the best oral health by bringing them to a children’s dentist, even if they are young. The younger children start dental care, the better. They simply become more comfortable with their dentist. Consider bringing your child to your next dental exam. It only helps them understand better how important it is to have healthy teeth.

Has Your Child Already Popped Their First Tooth?

If your child’s first tooth is already popping in, it’s time to schedule a dental appointment with a children’s dentist. They lead children down the path to great oral health. Request an appointment today. Children’s dentists are more than happy to provide care and treatment to all children.