When we think about our teeth, they may be taken for granted. Unless you’re experiencing pain or currently losing teeth, they rarely cross your mind. However, when you have a child, oral health should be at the top of your mind. If you don’t stay on top of it, you’ll surely hear about it soon enough with painful tears. Instead of trying to soothe a child with a bad tooth or oral pain, seek out the best dental care before it becomes a problem. While the thought of dentistry for children seems intimidating, it need not. No matter where you live, there is more than likely a local dentist near you who cares deeply about providing quality care for kids.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best time for your child to see a dentist and why it’s important for them to do so. While it’s unlikely that your child has a cavity this early, it’s still a possibility. Other oral issues could be present as well. If you’re curious about braces, your dentist may even be able to recommend their personal choice for an orthodontist. Because while all orthodontists are trained dentists, only 5% of dentists are also orthodontists.
Early, But Not Too Early…
It has been reported that many American children do not see a dentist until they’re well over two years old. This is a shame because The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by age one or six months after their first tooth erupts. In this manner, dentistry for children becomes a routine preventative measure rather than a reactive one. Your child may be delayed in having teeth erupt at all, but eventually, you’ll also want to know why that is happening.
Your Child’s Primary Teeth Are Vitally Important
When surveys are done about why children often visit the dentist so late, caregivers often report that “the child doesn’t have enough teeth” or that “they’re too young to understand what’s going on.” But these excuses only detract from children learning about their primary (baby) teeth, which are useful in developing everything from speech development to helping them chew solid food properly. Not to mention, having great teeth will eventually lead to a stellar smile and boosted self-esteem. By getting a child to recognize and interact with their primary teeth, they’ll be well on their way toward good oral habits for life.
Getting Them Used to The Dentist
Taking your child to the dentist early will help them become comfortable with the practice. You’ll want to have your child visit the dentist so that they don’t develop anxiety or fear of the dentist, which will harm their mental and oral health in time. Dentistry for children is usually a wholesome industry that tries to mitigate against this by creating comfortable environments, but as a parent, you are responsible for instilling a sense of calm when they go to the dentist.
Oral Health Is A Habit, Not A Quick Fix
By getting your child to the dentist early and making sure that they understand the importance of taking care of their teeth, you’ll be setting them up for good lifelong habits. Allowing them to have a personal relationship with a dentist will only help this and alleviate any anxiety or misgivings they may have about visiting dental professionals in the future. When you set your child up for success with a good dentist like Lowell Dental Arts, get ready to see a bright smile!