As much as it is important to take care of your child in terms of its overall well-being, it is equally important to take care of its oral health. The most common question that can be asked by many parents is how frequently a child should visit a pediatric dentist and when the first appointment is to be made. Frequent dentist visits are one of the ways to maintain healthy teeth and good oral growth and avert dental problems at early stages.
In case you are looking in the area of finding a local dentist, preferably one specializing in the oral health of kids, you might as well visit a pediatric dentist in Hamilton.
When to Take Your Child to the Dentist
When to take child to dentist is one of the most commonly asked questions to every parent. Dental specialists indicate that a child should go to the dentist within six months of the first tooth in his or her mouth, or just before the first birthday. This is because early visits let your pediatric dentist monitor the progress of your child’s teeth and identify any uncertainties about it early. Most children are usually advised to visit the dentist after every six months. But the frequency can be different, according to the oral health of your child, his or her habits, and cavity risk.
Why Regular Dental Visits Are Important
Regular check-ups with a pediatric dentist are essential to the long-term care of oral health. This is the reason why consistency is important:
- Early Intervention of the Problems: The routine checkups enable the dentist to identify early formation of cavities, misalignment, or gum problems.
- Tooth Decay Prevention: Tooth cleanings by a professional help remove plaque and accumulated tartar that can not be done by just brushing your teeth.
- Growth Check-ups: Pediatric dentists are able to check the development of permanent teeth and the growth of the jaw, and everything is going fine.
- Positive Dental Habits: Healthy children feel at ease with dental care when they come regularly and develop healthy habits throughout their lives.
Pediatric Dental Care Tips for Parents
In between visits, you must keep the teeth of your child clean at home. The following are some pediatric dental care tips:
- Regular Brushing: Brush teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste that are age-appropriate.
- Reduce Sugar Food: Sugar should be minimized to avoid cavities and enamel erosion.
- Encourage Water Drinking: Water assists in the removal of food particles and in keeping the mouth clean.
- Floss Daily: When the teeth begin to touch, it is important to floss to get rid of the trapped food debris.
- Be a Role Model: Children tend to take more interest in taking care of their teeth when they see you doing so.
How to Know If Your Child Needs an Extra Visit
Although the visits can be made twice a year, there are times when children might require extra visits. Schedule another appointment in case your child has:
- Constant pain or sensitivity in the teeth.
- Swelling or bleeding gums
- Visible dark spots on teeth
- Injuries or chipped teeth to the mouth.
Early treatment can be used to resolve these problems before they turn into severe dental complications.
Conclusion
Visiting a dental practitioner in Hamilton regularly when your child is a kid will make them have a healthy smile and a bright one as they grow. At Centre Mall Dental, we have a friendly dental group of professionals who deliver personalized dental treatment in a gentle yet friendly manner to ensure that your child feels comfortable whenever he or she is visiting a dentist near you.
Make an appointment today with a dental professional whom you trust and provide your child with the key to a lifetime of healthy smiles.