Health and Wellness

5 Reasons to Take Your Toddler to The Dentist

Written by: Samantha Higgins

There’s no doubt that parents want the very best for their children starting at a young age. When it comes to the dentist, many folks believe that it’s not necessary to plan a first dental appointment anytime soon. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Our dental experts tell us that six months after their first tooth appears, parents should schedule a visit for their little one. The American Dental Association (ADA) also recommends that kids should ideally visit a pediatric dentist by the time they turn one and no later than the age of two. Here are the top reasons to take your toddler to the dentist.

It’s A Kind And Gentle Place

Most dentists would agree that not only is it wise to take your young child to the dentist to ensure that everything is developing properly in their mouth but to allow the toddler to become familiar with the setting.

Young kids can become frightened of the dentist’s office if they rarely see the place and aren’t familiar with a check-up routine. It would be frightening for probably any child to be brought to the dentist when they have a toothache, etc. and are not used to the set-up.

By bringing your toddler in for check-ups at a young age, they become comfortable and can see that their dentist office is a friendly and compassionate environment that provides excellent oral care.

Now is the time to find a dentist in your area if you don’t already have one yet for your child. There are many family dental practices to look into. For example, if you live in California, Roseville Family Dental is a great option. Wherever you live, make sure to find a reputable dentist in your area.

The Dentist Learns A Toddler’s Habits

When scheduling that initial dental appointment, your young child’s background is important as the toddler becomes a dental patient. Every kid is unique in their habits.

For example, does your little one use a pacifier or suck their thumb?

For instance, thumb-sucking is a normal part of childhood. Having said that, the pressure it causes in the mouth is another story and one that your dentist should be aware of.

Thumb-sucking can cause changes in the palate (roof of the mouth) and jaw and can even change how the teeth line up when they come in.

How about the child’s feeding routine?

These issues may not seem like a big deal, but to a dentist, these professionals can learn plenty about a toddler’s current state of oral health and problems that could develop down the road.

Kids Adopt Good Brushing Routines

Many toddlers enjoy heading for their check-ups because most dentists have colorful toys to take home along with a new toothbrush. Dental experts believe that teaching kids early on about using proper brushing habits is an excellent lesson that can follow them through adulthood.

Did you know that for most children, all 20 baby teeth will arrive by the age of 3?

Your dentist will probably advise that you begin demonstrating to your toddler how to brush their teeth at 18 months of age. A pea-sized dab of low-fluoride toothpaste is the perfect amount for brushing your child’s teeth.

Doing that twice a day after breakfast and before bedtime is a good habit to get into, and it really begins in the home.

To Catch Early Oral Care Problems

Some parents look at baby teeth as not a big deal because they’re only temporary, but even toddlers can develop cavities, and if there is an infection in the tissue, this can harm the permanent teeth when they come in.

An experienced dentist knows that dental decay is no fun and can be painful, especially for a young child. No one wants to see a kid undergoing anesthesia if the tooth has to be pulled, etc.

Your dentist can sometimes apply a fluoride varnish to help rebuild enamel and prevent cavities from forming.

To Contribute To Overall Health

Proper oral and dental hygiene results in strong, white teeth and a gorgeous, natural smile.

Tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease can all be avoided by brushing, flossing, staying away from tons of sugar, and visiting the dentist regularly.

In addition, the ADA reminds us that the mouth is a window into the health of the body. It can show us infection, nutritional deficiency, and a lot more. Don’t wait until your child is 5. Take your toddler to the dentist for a healthy mouth, healthy body.

 

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