Did you know that tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease among children in the United States, as well as around the world? Keeping children’s teeth strong and healthy is an important part of maintaining good overall oral hygiene. One of the most important steps any parent can take in providing their child with a healthy smile is to get them started on local dentist visits from a young age. Pediatric dentistry is an important segment in the field of dentistry, and kids dentists have their own set of guidelines for maintaining oral health in children. In case you’re still unsure of the benefits of kids dentistry, here are three reasons to find a dentist for you child.
- Start Off on the Right Foot – By taking your child to the dentist, you are starting them off on the right track to a healthy set of teeth. Children should have their first visit to the dentist office by the time they are one year old, according to the American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatrics. Staring dental exams earlier in a child’s life helps prevent problems like tooth decay and other dental diseases.
- Learning Opportunity – A child’s dental exam is not only a great learning opportunity for your son or daughter, but also for you as a parent. Kids dentists can teach parents proper techniques for brushing their child’s teeth, tips for avoiding tooth decay and the importance of stopping the use of a bottle after one year of age. Many dental issues in children can be easily avoided when their parents are armed with the right knowledge to help them.
Learn Good Habits – Finally, pediatric dentists help instill good dental habits in young children. They can teach them the importance of brushing and flossing twice a day, avoiding sugary snacks and drinks that can lead to tooth decay, and rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen teeth when they are old enough. Learning good habits at a young age helps ensure that children will maintain these habits throughout their teenage and adult years.
The importance of taking children to the dentist when they are young cannot be overemphasized. Tooth decay is a big problem in our country, and dentists can help ensure that children are protected from its damaging effects from a young age. Great references here: www.alaskacenterfordentistry.com
