Regular dental visits are an essential part of having a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, and it takes a lot of personal and professional care. Preventative dental healthcare is there to help us seek treatment for any issues we may be having with the health or appearance of our teeth. With this in mind, it’s crucial to understand that regular dental visits aren’t just for adults.
Even though a few may think it’s unnecessary, it is just as vitally important that you start regular visits to the dentist from a relatively young age for your child. There are a variety of advantages when you start practicing early dental visits in your child’s lifetime. And yes, it would be best if you also considered beginning regular dental visits around or before their first birthday and remember that starting your child’s daily hygiene with the first tooth eruption is a must.
Why Early Dental Care?
There are many reasons to take your child to the dentist, for instance like regular check-ups, dental problems, or teeth correction and there are benefits you can expect by opting for early dental visits for your little one.
- Identify abnormalities. Some abnormalities with teeth and gums can manifest when the patient is as young as a year old and can be corrected.
- Avoid early tooth decay and cavities. Tooth decay or cavities can begin when your child is just a few years old.
- Help your child adjust to the dentist early. Some children are afraid of the dentist, but taking your child to the dentist from age one or two can help your child get used to the dentist and eliminate fear of dental visits.
- You’ll learn more about tooth care. After examining your child’s mouth, the dentist will take time to answer questions you might have about tooth brushing and dental care.
Educate your child on the importance of dental health
While most of the responsibility falls on the parents, dentists can be valuable educators when teaching children all about the importance of looking after their teeth. Dentists can better advise you of ways to make brushing and flossing fun for your child and provide the proper techniques to use. Dentists can even help your child overcome potentially harmful habits such as prolonged pacifier use, teething, and thumb-sucking, which can all impact your child’s teeth development.
Final Thoughts
Early childhood dental care may seem tough but it is something that all parents should learn about to help your child take care of their teeth at a very young age.
If you would like to know more information about early childhood dental visits or schedule an appointment for your little one, please get in touch with our office at (703) 634-9450 or online at Children’s Dentistry of Arlington.
English
Spanish