Do you wonder when the right time is for your child to visit the dentist for a check-up? The sooner children begin to get regular dental check-ups, the healthier their mouths will stay as they grow up. This means that as soon as your child’s first tooth begins to pop out of the gum, or if your child is suffering from sensitivity or toothache, this is the first sign that a dental check-up is necessary. You don’t want to risk your child being struck down by cavity, or anything that impacts their tooth development, such as decay or other oral diseases.
For youngsters to show off their contagious smile, they need healthy teeth to chew food easily, to speak sharply and to smile with confidence.
So, why is it important to visit the paediatric dentist early? Find out below.
Decay Can Form At Any Time
Tooth decay isn’t just restricted to adult teeth. Decay in teeth is formed from food debris, acidic particles and saliva that combine to form plaque which sticks to teeth. The plaque forms bacteria which dissolves the enamel surface, creating a hole. The hole is what’s called a cavity. If the cavity isn’t treated, the tooth can become decayed severely. This will impact kids’ tooth development at an early age impacting their smile.
Lack of Diet Education
Children will always look up to their parents as a role model. Therefore, the foods you eat are the foods that they will eventually eat. Kids should be made aware of good and bad foods for their oral health. As a parent, you may also lean on the dentist recommendations to know about the foods that are full of calcium and the right nutrients to keep teeth strong.
Know Your Dentist
It is common for kids to feel anxious when they visit the dentist for the first time. It makes them feel anxious before and during their appointment. The earlier your child visits the dentist, the more comfortable they will eventually become when sitting in the dental chair. Children need time to become accustomed to something new. Therefore, regular dental check-ups can help them get to know their dentist whilst keeping an eye on their teeth to ensure there are no major oral health concerns.
Knocked Out Teeth
A common problem for children is a knocked out tooth. Understanding the primary steps to take once this happens is essential to avoid further damage. A kids’ tooth can be knocked out through injury or trauma. Whilst the recommendation is to visit the dentist immediately, immediate steps involve controlling the bleeding by biting over a gauze pad if the tooth cannot be placed back into its socket. The tooth can also be placed into a milk container. The dentist will perform x-rays to search for any injuries.
Summary
As a parent, it is essential that you’re aware of the immediate steps in the event of a dental problem. It is also important that you get your child accustomed to visiting the dentist early and adopting safe oral hygiene to keep their oral health strong for their tooth development.
If your child hasn’t visited the dentist yet and you’re anxious about what happens at a kids’ appointment, simply read here to find out more!
If you’re searching for a local dentist in your area, contact us here and we’d be happy to help.
