Many parents have questions about starting good early dental habits for their kids, and baby teeth play an extremely important role in the development of a child’s dental health. That’s why at Parkcrest Dental Group we have board-certified pediatric specialist, Dr. Stuart Scott, on staff to help you make sure your child’s smile stays as healthy as possible!
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Why Seeing a Pediatric Dentist Is Important
Often people think that because baby teeth are designed to come out that they don’t matter, but the truth is they play an important role not only for your child’s speaking and chewing ability, but are also necessary for holding space for teeth (that will come in later) while your child continues to develop their adult teeth. Baby teeth that are lost prematurely may allow for other remaining teeth to drift into places that will make it difficult for permanent teeth to come in properly and cause crowding (or even crooked teeth) which can lead to the need for more expensive corrective dental treatment later.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Part of having good early habits for your child can include bringing your child in for their first dental visit with our board certified pediatric specialist within six months after their first tooth comes in so that Dr. Scott can examine teeth for any signs of decay or problems. Early dental visits can also help your child establish happy visits from the start so they can begin to feel comfortable in a dental environment, making it easier to diagnose and treat any potential problems.
Oral Care and Hygiene for Babies
Oral care for babies is also an important aspect of good early dental health. From birth on babies should have their mouths cleaned carefully with a soft, damp cloth before the first teeth begin to show. Many children will have their first teeth in the front by the age of 6 moths so you should begin cleaning teeth as they come in. It’s always a good idea to assist very young children (age 3 and under) to ensure proper brushing habits at least twice a day. Children that are a little older can also benefit from having adult supervision while brushing. This will help ensure that the correct pea sized amount of toothpaste is being used, all sides of teeth are brushed thoroughly, and that brushing takes place for the proper amount of time. Establishing great early dental habits like good brushing behaviors and early first dental visits to a pediatric specialist can set your child up for a lifetime of good oral health!
We Can Help Develop an Oral Hygiene Routine
Our friendly staff is always ready to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your child’s routine care and maintenance. Baby teeth are important! By practicing good early dental habits you can help set your child up for a lifetime of exceptional dental health, and now that summer is here it’s a great time to be thinking about your children’s teeth. While school is out (or before they start their first official year of school), there may be fewer practices, recitals, meetings, and mandatory parent functions to attend, which makes it the absolutely perfect time to get your kids in with a board certified pediatric dentist!
Summer Dental Appointments
Don’t let your summer months pass you by without using them wisely! Before the new school session begins, why not focus on getting your child’s teeth checked so that they can face the new school year with a jump start towards great dental health? Having your family feel good by having healthy smiles will help ensure the most fun for leisure time activities on family vacations now, and help your kids have the best start for a productive school year ahead.
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Talk to Parkcrest Dental Group
No matter their age, whether it’s time for their very first happy visit, routine cleaning appointments, getting your kids in for a consultation with the orthodontist about braces, or having that filling done (that you simply didn’t have time to schedule during the school year), now is the perfect time to have your child see their pediatric dental care provider Dr. Stuart Scott to help get them started early (and keep them on track) for a lifetime of good dental health and happy smiles!
To find out more about taking care of your child’s teeth you can visit: Baby Teeth – American Dental Association.
