The earlier you can get your child to a dentist the better. Many pediatric dentists like to see a child for the first time within a few months after the appearance of the first tooth. At this point, there are many things a children's dentist can do for your child. The following are among the most important.
They can check on the progress of your child's teeth
As your child's teeth begin to come in, there are many problems that can develop. It is easy to think that since they are baby teeth, they are destined to fall out and be replaced with permanent teeth, so a dentist doesn't matter. But baby teeth can come in wrong, causing unnecessary pain and problems with the bite and chewing. There can also be issues with an extra tooth or a missing tooth. These problems should be addressed early when they occur.
They can determine how much plaque is on the teeth
It is plaque that will lead to tooth decay, so a dentist will be looking for how much there is. The dentist will know if there is an abnormally high amount. There can be several reasons for this. The most obvious is a lack of brushing, or just as common, an improper brushing of the teeth. A dentist can speak with you about your child's brushing routine. It is quite possible that you are doing enough brushing, but are not doing it properly. The dentist can show you the best way to brush your child's teeth.
They can help educate you about dental care for your child
What the dentist can do for a parent is to educate you on how to teach your child good dental hygiene habits. When you instill good habits in your child, it will carry through into their adolescent years and adulthood. Brushing and flossing will become second nature. There are other things a dentist can teach you about. For example, preventing plaque buildup can be done by limiting sugar in the child's diet. This sugar can come from sources you may not be aware of. Allowing your child to drink milk throughout the day, instead of at meal times, can be a problem.
Making an appointment with a pediatric dentist is important as early as a few morns after the first tooth comes in. A dentist can examine how the baby teeth are coming in, along with the health of the gums. They can determine if there is too much plaque on the teeth and assist you with proper brushing techniques. At this early stage of a child's life, you will help your child grow accustomed to the dentist's office, and you will also be helping them form good dental hygiene habits.
Visit a local office like Dentistry For Children & Adolescents for more information.
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