The Importance of Early Dental Care for Kids
Dentists who treat young children provide tailored care that helps them grow up with excellent oral health. Family and pediatric dentists today recommend that young children start seeing the dentist at about 12 months old or six months after their first tooth appears. Visits should continue at least every six months for a lifetime.
Many parents may be surprised by this recent recommendation, but dentists assure them that infant and toddler visits carry many oral health benefits. Dr. Kim Arnold shares the top benefits of early dental care and explains what happens during the first office visit.
5 Top Benefits of Early Dental Care
Benefit #1: Track Early Development
When a dentist starts seeing a child early, they can observe their oral development from the beginning. As the first teeth emerge, the dentist can assess the child's risk for tooth decay and possible orthodontic issues later in life and determine whether the child needs intervention.
Benefit #2: Detect Early-Stage Issues
If a pediatric dentist discovers that a child is prone to tooth decay or other problems, they can be vigilant for the signs. Early detection saves treatment costs and time since dentists can address issues while they are easy to remedy.
Benefit #3: Build Positive Associations
Dentists who treat young children know how to make their visits engaging, fun, and relaxing. Children who see the dentist as toddlers grow up knowing that the dentist's office is safe and their practitioner is a friend.
Benefit #4: Provide Home Care Instruction
Parents often need to learn how to care for their children's teeth at home. A pediatric dentist or hygienist can teach parents the fine points of brushing and flossing and help them select which products to use.
Benefit #5: Reduce Dental Anxiety for a Lifetime
Children who see pediatric dentists start life with positive feelings about oral care. They are less likely to have negative office experiences and more likely to receive vital routine care as adults, leading to less anxiety and lower lifetime dental costs.
The First Dental Visit
Every dental visit is a gentle experience for young children. The first visit helps familiarize your child with the office and the new people they meet.
The dentist examines the child's oral health and development, including the status of erupted teeth and those under the gums. The dentist checks the gums, bite, jaws, tongue, and oral tissues to determine whether intervention is needed now or in the future.
If necessary, a gentle teeth cleaning may take place to remove plaque, tartar, and food particles.
The dentist will offer information on home oral care and childhood habits, including baby bottle tooth decay, infant feeding, cleaning a child's teeth and gums, thumb sucking and pacifier use, and ways to soothe teething pain and discomfort.
One of the most crucial elements of a child's first dental visit is building a solid and trusting relationship with the dental practitioner. When your child feels good about going to the dentist, they will be less likely to resist a visit and more likely to follow home care instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Dental Care
When should my child stop sucking their thumb?
Ideally, children should stop thumb and finger sucking by age three or earlier if possible. Thumb and finger sucking can cause malocclusion (misaligned teeth) and bite problems. If young children suck their thumbs, parents should consult their dentist for tips on how to break this negative habit before it becomes an issue.
When should I start brushing my child's teeth?
Before your child has visible teeth, clean their gums with a damp baby washcloth twice daily. Brush the child's teeth when they erupt above the gum line. Use a rice grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste on a baby toothbrush. Researchers have found that the benefits of fluoride use for young children outweigh the potential small risks.
Call Dr. Kim Arnold Family Dentistry
Early dental care can improve your child's lifetime oral health. Problems that appear in early childhood can sometimes become lifelong, including tooth decay and a misaligned bite.
Taking your baby or toddler to the dentist regularly can help protect their oral and overall health. Please call our office at (606) 836-6022 with questions or to schedule your child's appointment.