You want your child to live a happy and healthy life. That’s why you should prioritize their pediatric dental care.
According to the American Dental Association, a child’s first dental visit should occur sometime between when their first tooth erupts and their first birthday. During that first visit, consider asking the dentist about when to schedule future appointments. They can help you better understand how often your kid should see a dentist as they grow.
Benefits of staying on top of your child’s early dental care include the following:
Early Discussions about Preventative Care
Various habits and behaviors, from going to bed with a bottle of milk to not brushing before bedtime, can have a negative impact on a child’s dental and oral health. If a dentist has the opportunity to regularly check in about your routines, they may identify the habits your child is engaging in that could lead to problems down the road. Early intervention can prevent issues and improve outcomes.
Identifying Issues
The earlier a dentist identifies these issues, the sooner they can treat them, potentially guarding against more significant conditions and more extensive treatment.
Promoting Comfort With Dental Care
Children often naturally feel some degree of fear or anxiety when visiting the dentist. According to a study in the journal BMC Oral Health, approximately 33% of children struggle with dental anxiety in some capacity.
A person who fears seeing the dentist is less likely to schedule dental appointments as often as they should. Luckily, by bringing your child to the dentist early and often, you can help them grow more comfortable with dental care. Doing so may promote a lifetime of commitment to dental health.
Saving Money
Your main goal when scheduling early dental appointments for your child may be to ensure they experience quality dental health throughout their life. That said, parents should be aware that bringing their children to see a dentist frequently during early childhood could also help them save a lot of money in the long run.
Remember, prevention is among the key benefits of early dental care. If your child’s dentist is able to successfully prevent major dental and oral health problems from arising, they could indirectly help you avoid costly dental bills.
Confidence
A child who sees a dentist regularly is a child who is likely to have a healthy and bright smile. The healthier your kid’s smile is, the greater their confidence will be during critical formative years.
Education
Your child needs to learn the essentials of proper dental care. Seeing their dentist gives them the chance to do so.
However, it’s worth noting that parents may also have much to learn about how to care for a child’s teeth. If you bring your child to the dentist according to a regular schedule, you’ll likely be better-informed about what you can do at home to keep your child’s teeth in ideal condition.
That’s an important point. You should always feel comfortable asking your child’s pediatric dentist any questions you may have. By coordinating with a professional, you’ll learn how to optimize your kid’s dental and oral health for years to come.
Learn More About Pediatric Dentistry in Maplewood, NJ
At Marigold Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, in Maplewood, NJ, our team is committed to helping you keep your child’s teeth healthy. For more information about what we can do for you and your family, contact us online or call us at 973-821-7161 to request an appointment.