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If you’ve been putting off a visit to the dentist, there’s no sense in delaying it any further. Regular visits to the dentists may not be at the top of your list of fun things to do, but they’re important, nonetheless. What you might not know is that putting off dentist visits can have lasting consequences. With that in mind, here are some good reasons to get to the dentist right away:

Dealing With Cavities, Tartar and Plaque

Even if you’re a regular brusher and flosser, it’s easy to miss some hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. When you have enough plaque build-up, it becomes hard to remove without the help of professionals. By visiting a dentist, you’ll get regular cleanings, which can prevent tartar from eroding your teeth and prevent cavities from forming. By getting cleanings regularly and the best dental care, you’ll cut problems off before real damage happens.

Warding Off Gum Disease

A buildup of tartar and plaque can cause tooth decay, but it can also cause issues with your gums. If it progresses enough, it can lead to gingivitis. This disease can cause soreness and bleeding in the mouth, but it can also break down the bone that holds teeth in place. By seeking out dental care services, even with gingivitis, you can get the care you need before anything truly bad happens.

Weeding Out Bad Habits

Believe it or not, there are many bad habits that can contribute to bad oral hygiene. You may do some of these on a regular basis. Some of these bad habits include brushing your teeth too hard, drinking coffee, smoking, clenching your jaw, chewing ice, and grinding your teeth, among other things.

By going in for regular checkups, your dentist can help you break some of these bad habits. They can show you how these bad habits can cause damage and suggest ways for you to stop chewing ice, clenching your jaw, or cutting down on your coffee consumption.

You may be asking yourself, are regular trips to the dentist worth it? The answer is an overwhelming yes. The simple fact is that local dentists and orthodontists — all of whom are also trained dentists — are concerned with your oral health and want to help you keep your teeth and your mouth healthy. By visiting dental providers regularly for dental care, you’ll be doing yourself a huge favor in the long run.

Taking your kid to the dentist is quite a scary experience for them and first parents, too. Yet, it is advantageous because your child gets used to the environment, and the dentist spots any dental problems early enough.

As per the American Association of Orthodontics, nearly four million Americans are under braces treatment. If you want your kid to have perfectly aligned teeth with no cavities and proper oral hygiene, it’s best to prepare them for their first visit and those that will follow.
Some tips and hacks will help your kid remain calm, in turn, making you composed too.

What to Expect During the First Appointment

The big day is finally here, and you have no idea what tests and procedures the dentist will perform on your child. Worry not! Dentistry for kids is not as complicated, and your child’s care provider takes you through, step by step.

First off, anticipate a brief ‘meet and greet’ between your kid and their dentist. Next, your pediatric dentist will inspect your toddler’s teeth, bite, tongue, and jaws to check for any cavities, misalignment, or bite issues.

The dentist will also recommend the best dental care routines like ideal toothpaste, toothbrush, dental hygiene, and habits for your kid. You will have vital information about taking care of your tot’s oral health and have a chance to ask any underlying questions about dentistry for kids.

How to Prepare

To get the most out of your child’s dentist appointment, you should:

Stay Positive and Overcome Fear

Most kids have a fear of hospital-like settings. To help your little patient, try to read and play along with them using books or games. Let your child play the dentist and portray the role positively. That way, when they actually have a one-on-one during the appointment, they will have nothing but good feels. When you role-play with your little one, practice mouth-opening and teeth inspection so they won’t be unfamiliar with the whole process.

Use Treats and Toys

One of the fastest ways to make a tot comfortable is through toys and treats. An example is a trip to the park, playground, or a kid’s restaurant after the appointment. In the future, your child will associate the dentist with good pleasures.
Toys also come a long way in making them comfortable and avoiding distractions. Is it their stuffed animal they love most? Or their action figure? Bring it along and let them play with it whenever they tense up or get sidetracked.

Be a Good Example and a Cheerleader

At the end of the day, most kids mimic what their parents do. If you have a positive attitude, they will copy that. During the appointment, try as much as possible to give them a tap on their back. They will feel assured that they are doing the right thing and be more participative.

Choose a Qualified Pediatric Dentist

There are many options for dentistry for kids in Lowell, MA, and you have to choose the most competent dentist in the area. At Lowell Dental Arts, you will find the best dental services from children’s dentists, family dentists, and modern dental implant services. Call them today and book your child’s first appointment.

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.