According to the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, every child should visit a dentist by age one – or as soon as their first tooth appears. But why is early dental care so important for kids?
The Benefits of Early Dental Care for Kids
Early dental care is important for children for many reasons, including:
Cavity Prevention
When teeth first start coming in, they are very susceptible to decay. Regular dental checkups can help prevent cavities and other problems down the road. If your child does develop a cavity, early dental visits can mean getting treatment for a cavity sooner rather than later.
Ensuring Proper Development
Early dental visits allow the dentist to monitor the growth and alignment of baby teeth and address any developmental concerns early on. Often, catching problems earlier can lead to better outcomes in the long run.
Establishing Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Regular dental visits can help your child get used to the dentist and establish good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. The dentist can also help them learn about the proper ways to brush and other habits for caring for their teeth.
Decreasing Overall Dental Care Costs
Early and regular dental visits can slow down the onset of dental caries and may result in fewer subsequent treatment visits. Not needing treatment for cavities will decrease the overall cost of your child’s dental care over their childhood.
Educating Parents and Caregivers
Early visits to the dentist can teach parents and other caregivers how to properly care for their children’s teeth. Careful oral hygiene at home complements seeing a dentist on a regular basis. These early visits also give parents and caregivers an opportunity to ask the pediatric dentist any questions that arise about their child’s dental health or well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pediatric Dentistry
Are Thumb-Sucking and Pacifier Use Harmful to a Child’s Baby Teeth?
Thumb and pacifier-sucking habits typically only become a problem if the child does it for an extended period of time. Most kids will stop habits on their own before any issues arise. However, if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of three, your pediatric dentist may recommend treatment with a mouth appliance.
How Often Should I Change My Child’s Toothbrush?
Just like adults, children should use a new toothbrush every three months as they wear down and aren’t as effective as they once were. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, several electric rechargeable toothbrushes have excellent brush heads that only need to be changed every six months. It’s always best to rinse your toothbrush using hot water after every use and change it after you have been sick.
Early Dental Care for Kids at ABQ Pediatric Dentistry
At ABQ Pediatric Dentistry, we provide friendly, quality early dental care for kids of all ages with all types of dental conditions. We are more than happy to welcome you and your child in for their first visit around their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts. You can learn more about our dentist and services by contacting us online or calling us at 505-888-3520 to request an appointment.