When it comes to ensuring your child’s teeth are healthy, establishing a relationship with a pediatric dentistry is an important step in helping children learn good oral habits and catching cavities and other common issues early on. A pediatric dentist is skilled in taking care of both primary and adult teeth and is familiar with what common dental problems often affect younger patients. Finding a dentist and making regular visits has many long-term benefits for a child’s oral health that parents should consider.
Learn several vital reasons why children should visit a pediatric dentist starting at a young age.
Many children experience anxiety about going to the dentist, and this apprehension can continue on into adulthood if not addressed. Going to a dentist's office that is geared specifically towards kids with fun decorations, games and prizes available can help children form positive associations with the experience. Over time, this can ease any fears and even help kids get excited about appointments.
A pediatric dentistry can help both parents and kids learn which habits and behaviors can get in the way of good oral health and even cause issues that require more extensive treatment to address. For instance, a dentist can instruct parents on how extended pacifier use and thumb-sucking can affect the alignment of a toddler’s teeth. A dentist can also recommend proper mouth protection for children in sports or explain how sugary drinks and candy can damage the teeth.
Even with regular brushing and flossing, tartar and plaque tend to grow and harden on the teeth. This can eventually lead to other issues, such as tooth decay or gum disease. During a dental cleaning, the hygienist uses special tools to remove much of this buildup from spots that are hard to reach.
Many orthodontic issues, such as an overcrowded mouth, can be caught early on and addressed while a child’s adult teeth are still coming in. Typically, these problems are first detected during a regular exam at a pediatric dentistry. The dentist can then make a referral to an orthodontist or address more minor alignment issues themselves.
Seeing a dentist regularly in childhood allows children to get used to practicing good oral hygiene habits and making regular appointments. These children are much more likely to continue making good dental health decisions in adulthood and include biannual cleanings and exams in their routine.
While some people assume receiving dental care as a child is not essential since primary teeth fall out, children are just as susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay and require regular appointments at a pediatric dentistry to keep the mouth healthy and clean. Seeing a professional familiar with the mouths of children and young adults can help both parents and children learn invaluable advice on how to maintain good oral hygiene.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
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