7 Reasons To Visit a Children’s Dentist Office

Visiting a pediatric dentist regularly is a great way to ensure your child’s optimum oral and overall health. It’s worth noting that children’s teeth are more vulnerable to dental conditions such as cavities and gum disease as compared to adult teeth. Children are not always able to care for their teeth and mouth like adults.

For instance, the chewing surfaces of the back teeth have tiny grooves and pits. Even with thorough brushing and flossing, debris and food particles can still get stuck on these surfaces. With time, plaque and bacteria can build up, leading to cavities and other teeth issues.

Reasons to Visit a Children’s Dentist

If you’re wondering why you may need to visit your children’s dentist’s office, here are a few reasons why.

• Routine Checkups

Adults and children should visit a dentist at least twice a year for a routine exam. Even with good at-home dental hygiene, children can still develop cavities and other oral conditions. During a dental checkup, the dentist will perform physical, visual, and X-rays exams to check for signs of dental problems such as cavities. It’s highly unlikely for an oral problem to go undetected during a routine checkup. If any signs of diseases are detected, the dentist will treat the condition to prevent further complications.

• Dental Cleanings

Even with thorough daily brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can still build up on your child’s teeth, especially the back teeth. During a professional cleaning, the hygienist or dentist cleans the teeth, removing any plaque, bacteria, and tartar buildup from the teeth. By doing this, your child is protected from oral cavities, infections, and gum disease. Your child should receive dental cleanings at least a couple of times a year.

• Emergency Care

Compared to adults, children are at a higher risk of dental injuries due to their rambunctious nature. If your child’s teeth or other oral structures get injured, it’s advisable to see a children’s dentist as soon as possible. With prompt care, your child’s teeth can be saved and any discomfort addressed.

To prevent dental injuries, ensure that your child wears a mouth guard during sports. Furthermore, existing dental conditions should be addressed to prevent further complications that can cause the need for emergency dentistry.

• Check for Speech and Bite Issues

Children’s teeth and jaw development should be monitored closely. If your child is having problems biting or chewing, it can affect their nutrition intake. Also, if your child is unable to learn or say certain syllables, it can have something to do with their dental health. If the dentist notices any problems, they will perform the necessary treatment to fix the problem before it worsens.

• Promote Healthy Habits

Taking your child to a dentist at an early age helps them to develop healthy dental habits. The dentist takes time to teach them good oral habits and the importance of good oral health. Furthermore, children that visit the dentist will most likely be comfortable with dental checkups at an older age. This allows them to handle dental issues with ease as they grow up.

• Preventive Dental Care

Preventive dentistry is a critical part of your child’s oral and overall health. Most pediatric dentists focus on preventing dental problems before they even begin. Preventive dental care can include applying dental sealants and fluoride treatment.

Dental sealants are applied on the chewing surfaces of the child’s back teeth, preventing food particles and other debris from building up on the teeth. This significantly reduces the risk of developing cavities and gum disease.

• Learn about Children’s Dental Care

Since children’s teeth are more susceptible to dental problems such as injuries, cavities, and staining, you can visit a children’s dentist to learn how to care for your child’s teeth. The dentist may also teach the child good dental hygiene and habits to ensure optimum oral health.

Proper Dental care Habits for Children

To ensure that your child’s teeth and mouth remain healthy, make sure your child:

• Brushes and flosses daily.
• Get a new toothbrush every three months or so.
• Uses the right dental products and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Limits or avoids sugary or acidic foods. If they must have them, ensure they brush or rinse their teeth afterward.
• Eats healthy and hydrates well.
• Wears a mouthguard during sports.
• Sees a dentist twice a year.

Schedule an Appointment

Are you looking for children’s dental services? Contact Belknap Dental Associates today to book your appointment.