A Parent’s Guide to Pediatric Dental Care
Dental issues are common in young children. If not taken care of correctly, these issues can lead to bigger problems down the road. That’s why it’s important to start good dental habits early. As a parent, you want what’s best for your child, and that includes their dental health. With so much information out there, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to pediatric dental care. If you’re not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. We cover everything you need to know to help you get the dental care your child needs.
Pediatric Dental Care
You may think that because children lose their baby teeth, you don’t need to take care of them as thoroughly. In reality, these tiny teeth are as important as adult ones. As soon as a baby gets their teeth in they can get tooth decay. This problem only grows as they get older and start enjoying different types of foods. It’s no secret that children love to eat sweet foods from a young age. If you don’t care for their teeth, tooth decay and cavities can become a real problem. Cavities form when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on the teeth. This plaque makes acids that eat away at tooth enamel. Your child’s risk for cavities goes up if they eat a lot of sugary foods or drinks, or if they don’t brush their teeth each day.
The First Dentist Visit
If you want to keep your child’s teeth healthy, you will need to do some groundwork before their first dental appointment. Most people schedule their child’s first dental appointment by the time they are about a year old. You’ll need to decide what kind of dental care your child needs. If they have good oral health, they may just need regular check-ups and cleanings. If they have cavities or other dental problems, they may need more extensive dental work. Your dentist will make sure you and your child are comfortable before you begin. The first appointment usually consists of counting baby teeth and looking at the parts of the mouth. It is also here where your dentist will get a family dental history and give you a chance to ask questions.