Early dental care is essential for a lifetime of healthy oral hygiene habits and a happy smile. Children with healthy teeth can chew food easily, speak clearly and confidently smile.

Dentists recommend that parents schedule their child’s first dental visit when the first tooth erupts or before their first birthday. During this “well baby” appointment, they can teach parents how to care for the child’s teeth and help them remain cavity-free.

Baby Teeth Are Developing

The first tooth usually erupts around six months of age, and most children have a complete set of 20 teeth by the time they are three years old. Healthy baby teeth help your child chew food, speak clearly, and confidently smile.

In addition, a strong and healthy mouth helps maintain a healthy head and neck. Youngsters with strong teeth are less likely to experience headaches, mouth pain, or trouble concentrating.

Moreover, babies with a healthy smile can avoid the need for medical interventions such as braces or orthodontics later in life.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child sees or goes to dentist office as soon as their first tooth comes in or within six months after it erupts. This is called a “well baby visit.” Dentists can help teach parents and caregivers how to care for their child’s teeth and gums.

Brushing and Flossing

Brushing alone can’t remove the plaque that builds up between your child’s teeth and gum line. Flossing can clean that space and remove food particles.

Children who learn to floss early on are likelier to continue it into adulthood. It can also reduce the risk of developing other oral health problems affecting their overall health later in life.

Your child’s mouth serves as their gateway to the rest of their body, meaning their dental health can impact other areas of their wellness. So, starting good oral hygiene habits now will help them develop other healthy self-care behaviors that could lower their chances of developing chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.

Start teaching your child to floss when their teeth touch closely together, around age two or three. It can take some patience and a little practice for them to become proficient, but the benefits are worth it.

Routine Dental Visits

If you are a parent, you know how important it is to prioritize your child’s health and well-being. One of the most critical aspects of their overall health is their oral health.

Regular dental visits can help children develop good oral hygiene habits, improving their health and wellness. In addition, dentists can also detect potential problems and provide treatment options to fix them.

This early detection is beneficial for children who are still developing teeth. Dentist for children can catch any issues before they become more severe and costly.

Routine dental care is the only way to ensure your child’s teeth remain healthy. It’s also essential to help them understand the importance of proper oral hygiene and teach them how to do it properly.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to strengthen teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay. It also wards off discoloration and damage to teeth caused by bacteria.

Cavities form when acid attacks a tooth’s outer layer (enamel). The acid is produced by bacteria in the mouth, which consume carbohydrates from foods and beverages we eat.

The plaque acid gradually erodes a tooth’s enamel, washing away minerals that keep it strong. Fluoride treatment aims to remineralize the weakened areas of enamel and make it more resistant to acid attack and decay.