One tooth may not seem like a lot to care for, but it’s reason enough to schedule your child’s first dental appointment. The American Dental Association says a child’s first visit to the dentist should occur when they have their first tooth or no later than the first birthday. Maintaining your child’s oral health requires regular dental visits, an oral hygiene home plan, and visiting dental specialists, like the orthodontists, when needed.
Pediatric Dentist Appointments
After your child has their first dentist appointment, they should visit a pediatric dentist every six months. Regular cleanings and oral exams will allow your family dentist to detect any minor issues before they evolve into major dental challenges. Common pediatric dental problems include tooth decay, teeth crowding, and a need for braces. You child’s teeth are continuously developing, calling for ongoing care and attention from a professional pediatric dentist.
Child’s Permanent Teeth
A child typically begins to lose their primary teeth around age 6. The first tooth to come out is usually a central incisor, a middle front tooth on the lower jaw. After that, the first permanent molars start to come in. It may take until age 12 before all baby teeth are lost. The 32 permanent teeth replace all the baby teeth.
Routine dental care during these years of oral transitions is key to building a lifetime of healthy habits. Aside from maintaining a bright white smile, there are several reasons to schedule your child’s dentist visit every six months.
Prevent Tooth Decay
The average kid under 12 consumes 49 pounds of sugar per year, according to the USDA Economic Research Service. Bacteria in your child’s mouth use sugar from drinks and foods to create acids that dissolve and damage teeth. A diet filled with sugar can quickly lead to significant tooth decay.
Regularly brushing and flossing at home is a great way to prevent tooth decay, but for areas just below the gumline, routine dental appointments are needed to keep the areas clean. The Olympia Fields Dental Associates team is happy to serve pediatric patients and build healthy oral hygiene solutions into adulthood.
Proper Tooth Development
Oral exams allow your pediatric dentist to note when teeth are coming in crooked or when tooth decay is forming a cavity. Our experienced staff takes pride in developing a relationship with each child we see. We’ll help you understand when your little one faces fluoride deficiency, which toothpaste is best for their needs, and suggest a topical fluoride solution if needed.
Detect Orthodontic Needs
If your child suffers from gaps between teeth, crooked teeth, an overbite, or crowding, braces may be the best solution. Orthodontic care may be needed for a number of reasons, but without regular dental visits, it’s impossible to recognize those lingering problems.
Build Rapport with Dentist
Just as you want to feel comfortable when you slide into the dental chair for a cleaning or exam, your child deserves that same opportunity. Our staff wants to make it easy for parents to find a safe place for their children to receive the best pediatric dental care in Olympia Fields. By scheduling visits every 6 months, your child becomes comfortable with a caring dentist, reducing fear and anxiety.
Each pediatric dental visit with Olympia Fields Dental Associates includes a dental exam, cleaning, and x-rays, if needed. We’ll also teach your child the best way to brush and floss at home to develop a healthy oral care routine. Make a healthy smile a priority in your home and schedule your child’s dental service appointment with our experienced team.