The Importance of Early Childhood Dental Care

True or false: the presence of adult teeth is the first sign that you should take your child to the dentist. What’s the correct answer? False! Early childhood dental care is an essential way to lay a positive foundation for the rest of your child’s life. Acting early can help you avoid more serious issues down the road, empower your child to take care of their oral health, and ensure that your child is as healthy as possible. What are some of the reasons why early childhood dental care matters?

Avoid Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a serious issue, as it can advance to something that requires more invasive and costly procedures. The moment that primary teeth appear in your child’s mouth, they are vulnerable to decay. Even if they will be eventually replaced with adult teeth, that doesn’t mean that decay can’t affect your child’s baby teeth. Tooth decay can bring infection into your child’s mouth and lead to pain and discomfort.

Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease is not just a problem for adults, and children developing it can set a concerning foundation for their future health. Before your child’s first tooth even erupts, you should gently clean the gums with a soft washcloth. Once your child has teeth, you should ensure that they are being brushed on a daily basis with an appropriate brush and toothpaste. 

Encourage Future Oral Health

The habits that we build as children can follow us throughout our lives, so making regular dental visits and oral hygiene routines a key part of your child’s life can help encourage them to continue these things on their own in the future. Whether it’s getting comfortable handling a toothbrush or learning to allow the dentist to place a hand in their mouth during a procedure, adapting to the unique experience of a dental visit early is a great thing for kids.

When children don’t visit the dentist regularly, it can increase the odds that there might be a problem when they visit as an adult. This can build fear and an association between the dentist and having a filling or procedure performed. By visiting your dentist in Rollain early childhood, your child will get used to going to the office, sitting in the chair, and having their mouth examined. Don’t let your child be a victim of the same fear and anxiety that prevents many adults from getting the oral care that they need.

Learn More 

Education is important for parents, as it helps empower them to make informed decisions about their child’s health. During your children's dentistry visit, you will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn more about how to take care of your child. Dentists are always happy to answer questions, so these appointments can be just as valuable for you as they are for your kids.

When Should You Take Your Child to the Dentist?

In general, parents should schedule a child’s first appointment at a dentist in Rolla about six months after the first tooth appears. This might seem early, but it’s a great opportunity for the dentist to examine your child’s mouth and help make you aware of any abnormalities that you might need to look for as additional teeth appear. Your dentist can also review pediatric dental care tips with you so that you can confidently care for your child’s teeth as they continue to erupt.