4 Benefits of Taking Your Child To the Dentist

Part of our job as parents is to care for the well-being of our little ones. That includes their oral health! Your child should see a pediatric dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts, which is usually about one year old. From there, your child should be getting a regular checkup and cleaning at least twice a year. This ensures that they’ll grow up with all the benefits of a healthy smile. Keep reading to learn about 4 of the advantages of keeping up with their dental visits!

Benefit #1: Detect Issues Early

Many parents don’t worry about their child’s teeth until they all grow in. After all, if they don’t even have all their teeth, how can they get tooth decay? The truth is, though, that 42% of children ages 2 to 11 develop cavities in their baby teeth. Gum disease is also prevalent in kids, impacting nearly half of children from ages 0-5. It’s important that your child sees a dentist every six months for a routine checkup. That way, anything that’s cause for concern can be caught early and then treated before it progresses into anything worse.

Benefit #2: Alleviate Discomfort

Issues with the teeth or gums could cause tooth sensitivity or discomfort. If your child is young enough, it’s possible that they can’t even tell you about it or accurately describe it! If a tooth is impacted and doesn’t erupt, for example, your little one may have trouble chewing or end up with a dental infection. Keeping up with your child’s regular dental visits ensures that if these types of issues arise, they are handled accordingly.

Benefit #3: Learn Lifelong Habits

Many adults develop tooth decay, gum disease, or other concerns because of poor dental hygiene habits. The best treatment for these common culprits is basic preventative care. When you take your little one to the dentist, they have a chance to learn the best way to protect their teeth early on. This reinforces helpful habits that they can carry with them for life.

Benefit #4: Support General Health

Studies have tied oral well-being to other issues that impact our overall health. Gum disease, for example, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. That means keeping up with your child’s dental appointments increases their chance for a healthier future.

With so many wonderful advantages, there’s no reason not to take your child to the dentist regularly. It’s important that the condition of their teeth is monitored over time while they go through the various stages of development. By keeping up with regular checkups and cleanings, you can keep their smile safe!

About the Practice

Dr. Maggie Davis & Associates are experts trained to handle the oral health needs of children of all ages. They understand each patient has different needs and do everything they can to keep both the little ones and their parents calm throughout their stay. They’re happy to adjust the lighting, sound, and scent of their space for children with special needs, so everyone is welcome. If you’d like to make an appointment, you can request one on our website or call (727) 786- 7551.