A baby’s emerging teeth are a milestone parents will talk about for the rest of their child’s life, but too few remember that it is also the time for a first visit to the dentist. As parents, we want what’s best for our children. Pediatric dental visits help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Parents can learn how to care for their child’s emerging teeth, and give them a healthy mouth from the very start.
Habits – Pediatric Dental Visits
With the help of pediatric dental visits, parents help begin to instill good oral hygiene habits from the beginning. Regular dental visits in the early years teach children that the dentist’s office is a friendly place, and alleviates much of the anxiety expressed by older children. Not only do regular, early dental visits prepare your child for good dental hygiene later on, it provides parents and caregivers an opportunity to learn tips and techniques for caring for children’s teeth at home.
Baby Teeth Care
While there is a misconception that “baby” teeth are less important than the adult teeth that emerge later on, the development of a child’s mouth depends upon the healthy growth of the first teeth. The emerging baby teeth create the pathways that adult teeth will follow growing in. Early care of the first teeth helps ensure that the permanent teeth will have a healthy start.
Thumbsucking and Pacifiers
Although dentists are famous for discouraging thumbsucking and pacifier use, the truth is that those habits are not harmful, if they are not continued over a long period of time. While very-young children may rely upon these oral comfort items, it’s best if the habits are discontinued by the time the child is three. Your dentist can recommend techniques for teaching your child other self-soothing habits that will help wean them away from sucking as a comfort.
Regular treatment and care of your child’s teeth by a pediatric dentist can help ensure good oral health later on, and prevents cavities and other oral diseases. Early dental visits help lay the foundation for good health later on and throughout your child’s life.