No matter how “young” or “old” your child is, their oral health is a critical component of their overall wellness. Whether your child still has all their primary (baby) teeth or has permanent (adult) teeth coming in, nurturing their teeth during each stage of development is crucial.
Your pediatric dentist in Livonia strongly believes that it is never too early for a child to be brushing up on their oral health. There are numerous benefits of scheduling regular dental check-ups for children that last well into their teenage and adult years. We will list the top three reasons why your child should visit a pediatric dentist near you regularly in this article.
1. Ensures Oral Health Problems Are Detected Quickly
When a problem is addressed as soon as it surfaces, it prevents oral diseases from worsening, saving you time and money on treatment later on. Problems may develop due to your diet, dental hygiene, and even your jaw. Routine check-ups can ensure these problems are detected early on. A clean mouth requires removing built-up plaque and tartar and eliminating surface stains to prevent bacteria from sticking to the teeth. Many children do not have the motor skills needed to brush and floss adequately. Regular trips to your dentist in Livonia for a professional cleaning is vital for targeting the buildup and debris they may have accidentally missed. The bacteria from plaque and tartar are responsible for causing cavities as well as tooth decay in the long run. Tooth decay is one of the most popular oral diseases among children. Thankfully, it is easier to identify problems such as cavities in their earliest stages where they can be stopped or managed quicker. Neglecting cavities allows them to grow; this damages tooth structure and can lead to infections and the need for advanced dental procedures like extractions during adolescence.
2. Ensures Healthy Teeth and Mouth Development
When your child visits their dentist every twelve months, it helps to maintain and improve the state of their teeth. Baby teeth can be thought of as the starting ground for adult teeth, which means when your child’s baby teeth are healthier, the eruption of adult teeth are healthier and straighter.
When baby teeth are neglected, they may fall out too early, which causes remaining teeth to move forward. Consequently, permanent (adult) teeth are more likely to grow crooked and out of place. Also, maintaining healthy teeth during the early stages of development helps to avoid additional orthodontic work in the future. Regular check-ups will also help you stay informed on your child’s oral health.
3. Teaches Good Oral Health at an Early Age
It is never too early for children to begin learning the importance of proper oral hygiene. Work closely with your pediatric dentist near you to instill good oral health care in your child, with visits to the dentist a minimum of once per year to help achieve this. Maintaining regular check-ups from a young age provide children with the opportunity to learn proper oral hygiene techniques, including brushing and flossing from a professional.
Children who receive regular check-ups are more likely to develop a positive attitude towards dentistry. Children’s experiences shape their view towards dentists and dental visits for the rest of their life, which is why it is essential they become accustomed through regular check-ups early on. Your pediatric dentist can perform routine procedures like regular teeth cleaning in Livonia while also offering a favorable child view of the dental visit. Your child’s dentist will always use a caring and gentle approach, so your child feels comfortable and safe.