Nothing is more precious than your child’s first tooth poking through the surface of their gums. As their gummy smile is replaced with baby teeth, it’s never too early to see a dentist. Although baby teeth are only in place for a few years, they are invaluable to your little one’s oral health and development. Routine checkups allow your child to benefit from early detection to keep their mouth healthy. Here’s why they should see a dentist every 6 months, even if they only have a few teeth.
Pediatric Cleanings and Checkups
Dental professionals recommend children see a dentist before their first birthday. They should continue to have cleanings and checkups every 6 months. Early dental care offers various benefits, including:
- Supports Good Oral Health for Life: Researchers have found that children who learn the importance of oral hygiene and regular dental care from an early age are more likely to maintain these habits throughout their lives.
- Builds Trusted Relationships with Dental Team: Your little one will get to know their dental team over the years for stress-free appointments.
- Promotes General Wellness: Oral and general health are closely connected. Healthy teeth and gums will support your child’s development and wellness.
- Prevents Dental Work Later: Regular checkups allow their dentist to spot the smallest concerns early to prevent them from turning into big problems later. As a result, they’re less likely to need invasive or extensive dental work later.
- Monitors Oral Development: Their pediatric dentist will monitor their growing mouth to detect potential concerns with their development and adult teeth.
Benefits of Preventive Dentistry
Preventative dentistry stops many common oral health issues from occurring in the first place, like:
- Cavities
Although tooth decay is preventable, it’s more common than childhood asthma. Regular dental appointments reduce cavities by keeping your little one’s teeth clean and their enamel strong. There are many preventative treatments to lessen the risk of decay, like fluoride varnish or dental sealants.
- Gum Disease
A dental cleaning every 6 months will remove plaque and tartar buildup to keep your child’s gums healthy. Although the infection is often attributed to adults, children aren’t immune.
- Bite or Alignment Issues
Their dentist can detect bite and alignment issues with their primary teeth. They can also see issues that may be hiding below the surface to correct them before their adult teeth erupt. Early detection can lessen the need for braces later to correct many issues, like an openbite from thumb-sucking.
A pediatric dentist is an invaluable asset to have by your child’s side to ensure a healthy, beautiful smile that can last for a lifetime.
About Dr. Marie Tremblay
Dr. Tremblay has over 20 years of experience as a pediatric dentist in Northampton. After earning her dental degree at the University of Montreal, she continued her education in pediatric dentistry. She is affiliated with many professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Request an appointment through her website or call (413) 779-3136.