A Pediatric Dentist Can Help Prevent Oral Decay and Disease

A pediatric dentist is key to giving your child the best start to a healthy oral hygiene practice in life. Our teeth are with us when we are born, even though they are unseen. Everyone wants a healthy smile free of cavities and disease. Parents want to make sure they are doing as much as possible to help their children learn how to take care of their teeth so they last a lifetime. 

By taking your child to a pediatric dentist early on, you remind them the dentist is our friend. We want to make sure dental anxiety never becomes an issue. Having a child experience the dentist early on and a positive experience will give them the foundation they need for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.  

When should a child have their first dental visit?

Many parents are unsure of what age they should take their children to the dentist. Most parents set up their child’s first visit in the early toddler years. It is recommended that you take your child to the dentist by their first birthday or when the first tooth erupts from their gumline. 

This is a general rule most parents aren’t aware of. A baby could get their first tooth around 5 to 6 months. You may be unsure of how the dentist will do an exam since a baby cannot sit in the chair like most, but your dentist will help show you how to position your child for the exam properly. 

How can a dentist prevent oral decay?

When a child goes to the dentist, it is important they have a complete dental exam, dental x-rays, and find out any important family history. Your dentist wants to be sure they are aware of any concerns right from the start. 

The dentist will look for tooth decay, plaque build-up, or signs of proper or improper tooth placement under the gums. They want the teeth to come in as straight and healthy as possible. 

Your dentist will recommend filling any cavities to prevent the decay from spreading to other teeth and keep the gums healthy for future teeth. 

Once a child’s back molars come in, they will apply a dental sealant. This is quick, painless, and will prevent cavities from forming on the permanent back teeth. Children with sealants are three times more likely not to have cavities than children without dental sealants. 

The benefits of early dental visits

A pediatric dentist will also start showing your child how to properly take care of their teeth from the first visit in between dental checkups. They will teach them how to correctly floss brush and help them to see the importance of their oral health. The best way to keep your child’s dentist visits positive and healthy is to start them as young as possible and encourage them to want to brush their teeth and keep their mouths happy. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.pediatricdentistsuffolk.com or call Fun Park Pediatric Dentistry at (757) 767-2767 for an appointment in our Suffolk office.