Robust, meticulous, and consistent oral health habits are crucial to ensuring a person’s long-term oral health and smile aesthetics. The earlier in life an individual discovers the significance of being an active participant in their oral health, the smoother their journey will be to a lifetime of health, beautiful, and confident smiles.
Today we’re exploring the crucial role of dental care during childhood, and its role not just in ensuring our children’s oral health as they grow up, but in instilling in them the paramount long-term importance of committing to robust oral hygiene practices.
When Should Your Kids First Visit the Dentist?
For many parents, the suggestion that a child should see a dentist at one year of age may seem excessive. However, scheduling your child’s first dental appointment at that early age can be crucial, as it allows a dentist to begin assessing the development of your baby’s gums, first teeth, and jawbone, and identify any potential issues or bad (like thumb-sucking) at their earliest stages.
At What Age Should Children Be Regularly Seeing the Dentist?
After the first visit we just discussed, barring an emergency, your child shouldn’t need to see a dentist again until 3 or 4 years of age.
According to the American Dental Association, children are susceptible to cavities as soon as they’ve got teeth. And, according to the ADA, over a third of kids under the age of 5 get cavities in their baby teeth. These require professional attention, both because they’re often quite painful but also because, without treatment, they can create obstacles to proper eating, speaking, and sleeping.
Why Are Early Dental Visits So Important?
Scheduling regular dental exams for your kids by the age of 4 ensures that they receive all of the preventive and corrective care needed to avoid early cavities and potentially more serious issues. Also, dental visits at an early age provide an excellent opportunity to begin establishing the importance of a strong oral care routine and a positive relationship with their dentist.
A Caring, Empathetic, and Education-Focused Pediatric Dentist in Apex, NC
If you’re in the Apex area and want an experienced and empathetic dental team to help guide your child through the crucial developmental stages of their oral health, from routine pediatric dentistry to orthodontics like Invisalign® clear braces, contact me, Dr. Dustin Prusik, DDS, and our caring and knowledgeable team at Olive Chapel Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment!