Children can begin visiting their pediatric dentist as early as six months old, and although they may not have any teeth yet, these routine checkups could help detect common dental health concerns. These routine visits throughout their life are an important step in helping them maintain not only a healthy smile, but also keep them from experiencing oral pain due to worsening dental problems. Read on to learn more about the importance of detecting oral health issues early on.
What Happens at Your Child’s First Dental Checkup?
Your child’s first dental appointment will consist of a thorough examination of their mouth, including any existing or emerging teeth, as well as their airway and jaw development and bite.
Their pediatric dentist will also ask you, their parent or guardian, about any habits that you’ve noticed, such as thumb or pacifier-sucking, tongue-thrusting, or if they go to bed with a bottle. If your baby has begun teething, they can help provide you with helpful tips and tricks on how to curb their discomfort so you can get a little extra sleep at night.
Based on all of this information, they can help educate you about how your baby’s mouth will develop and what you can do to help keep their oral health on the right track.
Common Children’s Dental Problems
Some of the most common oral health concerns in young children and babies include:
- Cavities
- Baby bottle tooth decay
- Tongue-thrusting
- Teeth grinding
- Bite problems and jaw development
- Premature tooth loss
- Gum disease
Their pediatric dentist will be sure to keep a close eye on their smile, helping to detect any signs of these common issues as soon as possible so treatment can be administered before they become any more extensive.
The Benefits of Detecting Dental Problems Early On
There are several advantages of helping your child develop good dental hygiene habits at a young age by bringing them to their pediatric dentist. Some of these include:
- Support their overall health. Oral infections have been linked to a higher risk of other medical conditions, including heart issues, respiratory problems, and more.
- Prevent long-term or permanent oral damage. By addressing issues early on, they won’t have an opportunity to become larger and cause permanent damage to your child’s smile.
- Create a good relationship with the pediatric dentist. Bringing your child to see their pediatric dentist starting at a young age will help them become familiar with the team and office, allowing them to feel more excited than nervous about coming back!
- Save money. Preventive services are typically covered at a greater percentage by dental insurance plans and are generally less costly than more extensive treatments. This can help minimize your child’s dental expenses.
With these early dental checkups booked and planned for, you can help save yourself time, money, and energy, all in addition to teaching your child about the importance of good dental hygiene!
About the Practice
Our team at Cherokee Children’s Dentistry is comprised of multiple highly skilled, kind, and experienced pediatric dentists. With specialty training surrounding the diagnoses and treatment of common dental problems in infants, children, and teens, our practice is the trusted place for parents to come for all of their child’s oral health concerns. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit Cherokee Children’s Dentistry’s website or call 770-479-1717.