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Parents want the best for their children. The best toys, the best schools to go to, the best foods, and so it’s only natural they would also want the best for their child’s oral health as well. Unfortunately, studies show that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 40% of children have tooth decay by the time they start kindergarten. This is where pediatric dentistry comes in.
The sooner parents establish regular dental visits for their children, the greater chance they give them for better oral health throughout their whole life. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics advise that children should visit a dentist by age 1, or as soon as the first tooth appears – whichever comes first. Just to show how important dental care in children is, Here are a few examples of how improper care of teeth, even baby teeth, can affect your child:
- Difficulty chewing, eating, or sleeping
- Painful teeth and gums
- Gum disease
- Embarrassment when talking or smiling which could negatively impact their confidence.
If you’re a new parent or wanting to take charge of your child’s oral health, here is a list of why pediatric dentistry is so beneficial to your children:
- Allows for early detection of any dental issues.
Seeing a dentist early on is the best way to catch early signs of dental problems that could cause damage and decay further down the line. Early detection of issues such as cavities or gum disease could save you and your child a lot of heartache and pain in the future.
- Prevention is key!
Most dentists will recommend that your child receive fluoride treatments, and you’ll want to make sure there’s fluoride in their toothpaste. Sealants are also a great way to protect your child’s teeth and prevent cavities.
- Helps with developing good dental care habits and routines.
Your child’s first visit allows a dentist to educate parents on how to best care for their child’s teeth so that the parent can then begin to instruct their child on proper oral care as they grow up. You’ll learn how to teach your child to brush their teeth for two minutes, twice a day. Flossing is also highly important – if they aren’t flossing, they’re missing 33% of each tooth’s surface, which is a great place for decay to set in. Don’t let your child skip this step!
- Provides helpful suggestions for healthy dietary habits.
Pediatric dentists can explain the detrimental effects of certain types of food on teeth, and help educate you on how to offer your child healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugary snacks that will stick to their teeth. They will most likely recommend that you also try to cut out the sugary drinks, and stick with water instead.
- Bringing your family in for regular dental visits every six months can help reduce dental anxiety.
Coming in for regular dental visits twice a year is a huge step in the right direction for keeping your child’s smile healthy. Our team at Simply Smiles Miami is excited to treat children. We take care of children’s dental needs, paying close attention to their “fears”. Coming to the dentist can be scary for a child. We promise to keep their teeth healthy while providing a fun and comfortable environment. Your child will get to know the doctor and warm up to our staff and office. Parents are encouraged to accompany their child during the treatment process as they deem necessary. Oh, did we forget to mention, they will also meet Ally, the alligator? And go to the treasure box!
We hope this list highlights just how life-changing establishing good oral care early in your child’s life can really be. This journey into teaching oral care habits can also be a lot of fun for the whole family – check out our recent blog post regarding this topic here. Call our office today and we’d be honored to set you and your little ones up for success with your oral health for many years to come!
Sources:
https://simplysmilesmiami.com/2022/02/22/february-is-national-childrens-dental-health-month/
https://simplysmilesmiami.com/services/pediatric-dentistry/
https://www.jeffkindsethdds.com/Blog/Post/The-Importance-of-Pediatric-Dentistry