Good oral health and dental hygiene habits start early.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit take place by 12 months of age, or within six months of the first tooth coming in. From infants to teens, Associated Dentists is able to provide the care and education that can support a healthy future for your child.
Without proper dental care, children can face complications stemming from oral decay and disease. That’s why it’s important for children to get regular checkups. The sooner this process begins for a child, the healthier their mouths will stay throughout their lives.
Healthy teeth mean kids can chew food easier, learn to speak clearly, and project a confident smile.
Pediatric dental services that
Associated Dentists are ready to provide, include:
Infant oral health exams, including risk assessment for caries (tooth decay).
Initial visits to the dentist with an infant allow parents and caregivers to learn about how they can care for their child’s teeth and maintain a healthy mouth. For example, it’s not uncommon for toddlers to experience cavities that result from them falling asleep with a bottle of milk or juice.
Preventive dental care, including cleaning and fluoride treatments
Benefits of preventive dental checkups, include:
- Minimizing risk of tooth decay by removing harmful bacteria in plaque that accumulates on a child’s teeth degrading tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities.
- Preventing gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. Regular preventive care allows the hygienist to remove the calculus buildup to prevent gingivitis that leads to gum disease if left untreated.
- Preserving tooth enamel, which is the thin layer that surrounds the tooth. Preventive care will help ensure enamel remains strong, protecting teeth from bacteria, plaque, and cavities.
Early assessment on any orthodontic needs
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that kids undergo their first orthodontic check-up as soon as any orthodontic need is detected or around seven years old.
Early orthodontic assessments include examining growth and positioning of the jaws and facial bones, in addition to positioning of teeth as permanent teeth begin to replace baby teeth.
Treatment of tooth cavities or defects
Small cavities are treated with dental fillings, while tooth defects such as enamel hypoplasia – inadequate enamel on a tooth – can be treated with a resin filling to prevent sensitivity.
Care for dental injuries
Some of the most common dental injuries among children result from accidental falls, sports activities, and being involved in auto accidents.
Injuries can result in teeth being knocked out or pushed sideways. Treatments can vary based on the type of injury, but receiving care as soon as possible after an injury occurs is strongly recommended.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 40% of children suffer from tooth decay by the time they enroll in kindergarten. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the U.S.
Healthy dental habits to develop at an early age to prevent tooth decay can include:
- Regular brushing and flossing using fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush. Doing this twice a day can significantly reduce risk of developing cavities. For babies, wiping gums once a day with a soft, clean cloth can help prevent candidiasis in babies who don’t have teeth yet.
- Parents may also consider asking their dentist or doctor about applying a fluoride varnish on the child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.
- Maintaining a healthy diet that limits consumption of sugary drinks and caffeinated beverages and emphasizes multiple servings of fruits and vegetables per day can result in better overall dental health. Drinking tap water that contains fluoride can also go a long way toward maintaining good oral health.
Beyond building good dental habits and maintaining good hygiene, establishing regular visits to the dentist at an early age can reduce feelings of fear and anxiety that crop up when going to see the dentist.
It’s not uncommon for young kids to be afraid of doctors, dentists, and hospitals. By starting dentist visits at an early age those fears can be lessened, particularly when a professional pediatric dentist is able to engage with a child and help them understand the importance of caring for their teeth and the dentist’s role in that care.
Parents are the primary sources of good health practices, which includes oral health. Children who learn to take care of their teeth at a young age are more likely to have good dental habits as they grow older.
Go ahead, request an appointment right here on our website or give us a call today!
