Why are Early Dental Visits Important

1. Why are Early Dental Visits Important? Early dental visits are important for a number of good reasons. One of the main ones is that tooth decay is 100% preventable. By beginning dental visits at a young age you are teaching your child good oral health habits. Teaching them to brush and floss daily can prevent a lot of future problems. It can also help your child realize the dentist is a friend and not someone to fear. If you wait until your child has a serious problem that might require a cavity be filled then the poor child’s first dental visit will likely be linked with fear and pain. Preventive dental care costs a lot less than needing to have teeth repaired. Did you know that most children in America don’t visit a dentist until they’re over 3 years old? That’s far too late according to both dentists and doctors. Research has shown that the more we learn about our health the more we realize how everything is related. If a child is already having dental problems it could be a sign that there are other health issues at risk too. The AAPD has stated that children should see a dentist by the time they’re a year old. What Will Happen at My Child’s First Dental Visit? The first visit is almost always very short and usually doesn’t require any treatment. This visit is a way for your child to meet the dentist in a positive manner. Some dentists let the parent sit in the dental chair with the child. Others prefer that the parent waits in the waiting room so that the dentist can begin building a positive rapport with the child. During the exam the dentist will check the teeth for any early signs of tooth decay. He or she will also examine the child’s head and mouth for any problems. Checking the soft tissues like the lips, gums and tongue can give the dentist clues to any hidden issues that might not be apparent yet. The dentist will also check your child’s bite and bone structure. Is There Any Difference Between a Pediatric Dentist and a Regular Family Dentist? Yes, there is a difference. A pediatric dentist has two or more years of training after regular dental school. This training focuses on specific issues regarding children’s developing teeth and bone growth. If your child has some special needs then a pediatric dentist might be something you’d want to consider. Rest assured that both regular and pediatric dentists are more than qualified to suit your child’s needs. We at Dentistry for Life are proud to be able to offer you both. Please visit us at our website (www.dentistryforlife.net) today.