Elmhurst Dentist Explains Why Your Child Should See a Family Dentist
Because children lose their primary teeth before their adult teeth emerge, many parents consider regular pediatric dental cleanings unnecessary. If children are going to lose their baby teeth anyway, why do they need to worry about seeing a family dentist? The truth is that primary teeth—also called baby teeth—are vital to developing your child’s health and self-esteem.
What Do Baby Teeth Do?
Baby teeth allow your child to speak and chew normally. They also maintain space for future permanent teeth to erupt. If your child loses his or her primary teeth prematurely, permanent teeth may shift along the gum line, causing teeth to become crooked or crowded. A family dentist will help your children preserve their strong primary teeth, and improve their long-term dental health. Here are the top 3 reasons our Elmhurst dentists recommend that your child see a family dentist:
Treat Dental Problems Before They Become Serious
Primary teeth are susceptible to decay from formula, sugary fruit juices, and soft drinks. Pacifier use, bottle-feeding before bed, and thumb sucking can also adversely affect your child’s dental health. A family dentist will perform a thorough evaluation of the health of your child’s teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. Your general dentist can effectively treat problems that may not be noticeable to you and your child. Left unchecked, dental decay can result in infection and gum disease. A family dentist can treat cavities before they become so serious that your child must lose a tooth.
Monitor Your Child’s Dental Development
Along with an examination and cleaning, your family dentist may take X-rays to detect decay and monitor dental development. Using the information from regular dental check-ups and X-rays, a family dentist can track the growth of your child’s teeth and mouth, and anticipate future dental and orthodontic problems. A family dentist can also administer preventative care—like fluoride treatments—to help your child avoid dental decay all-together.
Establish Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits
A family dentist will help your children establish good oral hygiene habits, which they will then carry into adolescence and adulthood. Our Elmhurst family dentists commonly show children how to effectively brush and floss, while emphasizing the importance of daily oral hygiene at home. As the familiar saying goes, “Old habits die hard,” (and in this case that’s a good thing!). Your children will also be less likely to experience dental anxiety if they have positive dental appointments starting at a young age.
Pediatric dental issues are too often overlooked, maintaining your child’s dental health is important to your child’s growth and development. You should schedule your child’s first dental visit by his or her first birthday. Most children should see a family dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning—your dentist can develop a dental care plan that is right for your family. With regular dental cleanings and preventative care, a family dentist can help your children enjoy healthy smiles well into adulthood.