3 Reasons to Visit an Early Childhood Dentist Today

Bring your child to an early childhood dentist before they start school. This is important for ensuring that their teeth are healthy and that they are unlikely to have any dental complications when starting preschool or kindergarten. We find that a lot of parents wait to bring their children in until they have actually started kindergarten, but this is a mistake.

Children can suffer from tooth decay at a far earlier age and these appointments play an important role in preventing that.

Reasons to visit an early childhood dentist

1. We teach children about oral health

We view ourselves as healthcare providers but also as educators. In our role as a dentist, we teach children all about oral health, the importance of brushing and flossing and why it is necessary to take such good care of teeth. As a medical professional, they are sometimes more likely to listen to our advice than they are even to their own parents.

We understand that parents are critically important to help children at home but we also know that we can be an active partner in helping to encourage children to take care of their teeth.

2. We clean their teeth

Brushing and flossing at home is much more important than some people realize. Minimal brushing and flossing can lead to a buildup of plaque which causes tartar to form. It is practically impossible to remove tartar without the professional tools of a dentist. Professional teeth cleanings are necessary for removing anything that has built up.

This allows us to keep their teeth in good condition and reduce the likelihood that a child will develop tooth decay or gum disease. Both are possible, even at a young age. Thus, these early and regular appointments are a necessity when it comes to prevention.

3. We can identify and treat any problems

Visiting an early childhood dentist before starting school is highly advisable because it allows us to identify if there are any oral health problems and to treat them quickly. For example, a small cavity can quickly be treated in one visit, even before a child experiences too much discomfort. However, if that same cavity continues to grow in the mouth, it could eventually lead to an infection and even the need for a root canal or an extraction. We want to avoid this whenever possible by keeping up regular examinations and checkups.

4. We can see if a child needs braces

By examining a child's teeth we can determine how they are coming in and identify early problems like overcrowding that may require early orthodontic intervention. Even if they are not ready for a full set of braces, there may be small steps that an orthodontist can take to create more room in their mouth so that teeth grow correctly. We will make this recommendation and a referral if necessary.

Schedule an appointment twice a year

To promote optimal oral health, we recommend scheduling an appointment with an early childhood dentist twice a year. We will be happy to be of assistance in our office and are currently accepting new patients so call today.

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