Your child’s first dental visit is a big deal! And we want to make their visit a good memory and a fun experience. Around their first birthday is a great time to schedule their first check-up. Their teeth most likely have begun to break through, and their dentist can ensure that their teeth are free from decay or any other concerns.
Starting your child’s regular dental visits early come with many benefits including:
- Ability to get professional answers about teething, cavities or other dental questions
- Early detection of tooth decay or other dental concerns
- Early introduction to the dentist without any invasive treatment
- Regular thorough cleanings from a young age
Prepping your child for their first visit is important at any age! Reading fun children’s books about visiting the dentist, explaining to them what to expect and encouraging them with a prize or reward are all great ways to make their dental visit something they’ll look forward to. Most dental fears come from a bad experience at the dentist or only visiting the dentist for emergencies and problems. Regular friendly dental visits will help your child avoid unnecessary dental fears and anxieties.
In addition to regular dental visits, healthy habits at home are crucial! Faithful brushing and flossing are encouraged along with limited sugar intake. Sugar and acid that sets on their teeth will wear away at the teeth, leading to decay and other dental issues. Make brushing and flossing a fun habit from an early age!
One benefit of pediatric dentistry is early treatment. Pediatric dental treatment can prevent extensive treatment as they get older. Their dentist can advise you from a young age if your child will need adjustments in their teeth alignment. Spacers for missing teeth may be recommended to keep teeth from shifting and fillings can be applied to cavities to save them from further decay.
Caring for baby teeth is equally important to caring for adult teeth! Baby teeth lay the foundation for their dental health. If a baby tooth has severe decay or infection, it can spread to the permanent tooth as that permanent tooth is pushing the baby tooth out. Infection that spreads to their permanent teeth will cause a lot of early damage to their adult teeth. Caring properly for their baby teeth will help them keep a healthy smile as they grow into their teens years and adulthood.
If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Boca Raton, FL, we would love to see you! Call us today to get your child’s treatment off to a great start and pave a path of healthy dental habits from a young age!