After scheduling your child’s first visit with a pediatric dentist, you may wonder how often you should schedule future visits. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AADP) recommends scheduling a visit every six months after your initial visit. Your pediatric dentist may schedule additional visits if your child is particularly susceptible to dental development or orthodontic problems.
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Why Schedule Regular Checkups with a Pediatric Dentist?
There are actually a number of reasons that you should schedule regular checkups with your pediatric dentist, including:
- Scheduling a biannual dental checkup allows your pediatric dentist to monitor developments in your child’s oral health. Even if your child has a perfectly healthy development pattern, changes in the conditions of the teeth and gums can happen very quickly. Checking every six months allows the pediatric dentist to monitor and correct any potential oral problems.
- A regularly scheduled meeting will allow your pediatric dentist to record and monitor ongoing orthodontic changes and development. Tooth and jaw development do not happen overnight, and if your dentist understands your child’s oral history, they will be better equipped to fix any development problems that may arise.
- Regular visits to the pediatric dentist will allow for your child to become comfortable at the dentist. Dental anxiety is one of the top phobias of young children. Early and regular visits to a pediatric dentist helps to normalize these visits.
- The pediatric dentist is a great resource for the parents. By scheduling regular dental visits the dentist can help to educate parents on behaviors and dietary guidelines that can enhance oral health. The dentist may recommend reducing sugar intake or help you prevent your child from engaging in thumb sucking.
- Dental x-rays are often the only way to catch microcavities in your child’s baby teeth. Although these cavities may be pain-free, if left untreated, they can develop into serious tooth decay or even childhood periodontal disease.
The condition of your child’s oral health can change rapidly. Even if their teeth were found to be healthy six months ago, changes in diet and habits can quickly change the state of their oral health. Scheduling a regular dental checkup with a pediatric dentist is key to ensuring your child develops a healthy smile.
Looking for a Dental Home?
Dr. Stuart Scott at Parkcrest Dental Group has recruited a talented team of people dedicated to helping your child develop a healthy, happy smile. If you are in the greater Springfield, MO area, Parkcrest Dental Group is the perfect place for your whole family. Call us today at 417-262-5515 to schedule an appointment.
