Regular medical checkups are a necessary part of the care children need. Visiting a clinic with dental care for all ages on a regular basis is equally crucial. But how often should your child visit the dentist? Please read our article to learn about the most important aspects of dental care for children.
In general, your child should see a pediatric dentist every six months. Such visits include an exam, a professional cleaning, fluoride treatment, and an x-ray if necessary.
Even if your child does not have any dental issues, you should still follow through with regular dental visits. Childhood is a period of rapid growth and constant change, and it is essential to monitor the child’s development and ensure good dental health.
The condition of your child’s oral health will influence how healthy the permanent teeth will be in the future. Regular dental checkups and timely treatments will ensure that your child has healthy teeth for years to come and will avoid complex dental issues in adulthood. In addition, your pediatric dentist will monitor the effectiveness of the hygiene routine of your child and help develop the proper habits.
At What Age Should Your Child First Visit the Dentist?
The general rule is to have the first dental visit no more than six months after the appearance of the first tooth. In most cases, this means that your child will see the dentist for the first time by two years of age. However, it is often recommended that the first visit be made as early as 12 months of age.
During the first visit, the doctor will assess the bite of the child and the health of the gums and teeth. It is crucial to ensure that the development of the jaw and teeth is going as expected. In addition, your dentist can predict potential orthodontic issues and help you plan future treatments.
Why Do You Need to Take Care of Baby Teeth?
Even though baby teeth will eventually fall out, it does not mean that they do not require dental care. Below, we listed several reasons for visiting your pediatric dentist every six months:
Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss Cause Malnutrition
Children who have toothaches or are missing teeth tend to refuse to eat foods that require more chewing and biting. These foods are usually crucial for a child’s proper development: meat, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. They contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein.
Dental Health Issues Cause Chronic Pain and Stress
Chronic pain in teeth or gums constantly stresses a child, negatively influencing their mood and ability to concentrate, study, and socialize.
Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss Lead to Speech Impediments
Proper speech development and pronunciation habits greatly rely on your child’s having a full set of healthy teeth. Missing or painful teeth might lead to a lisp or unclear pronunciation.
Cavities Can Result in Gum Disease
Bacteria and infection in untreated cavities can eventually spread to the gum tissue and the jawbone, causing issues with its development. In addition, progressed gum disease is difficult to treat, and if it starts in childhood, it will cause issues with permanent teeth in adulthood.
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease Negatively Affect General Health
Infections that are constantly present in a child’s mouth can affect other organs in the body. For example, gum disease is associated with heart, lung, and joint issues. Mouth infections can also negatively affect the gastrointestinal system and even cognitive function.
Early Baby Tooth Loss Leads to Orthodontic Problems
Precocious tooth loss due to decay can affect the development of the jawbone, causing misaligned bites, overcrowdedness, and other orthodontic issues with permanent teeth. These issues can require more extensive and costly treatments in the future.
The Importance of a Pediatric Dental Cleaning and Fluoride Treatment
Both cleaning and fluoride treatment help your child maintain excellent oral health. The benefits of a regular pediatric dental cleaning include:
- Prevents plaque and tartar accumulation
- Prevents cavities and gum disease
- Prevents bacterial growth in the mouth
- Prevents bad breath
- Prevents expensive treatments in the future
The benefits of regular fluoride treatments are:
- Strengthens teeth
- Remineralizes tooth enamel
- Prevents cavities
Make an Appointment Today
Help your child get the right start on their lifelong oral health, and make an appointment to visit our family dentist in Mission Viejo today. Our specialists are trained to work with children and will ensure your child gets the care they need. We are looking forward to welcoming you and your family to our office.