The Importance of Early Dental Care for Kids
Dental care should begin at an early age. Dentists recommend that kids start receiving professional dental care in infancy, or by their first birthday. This is not necessarily a new development, but in the past it was more common to wait until a child was 3 or 4 to see the dentist. However, a lot can happen in 3 or 4 years when it comes to dental health, so it is best not to wait.
In this article we will cover the most important reasons for Early Dental Care to help parents ensure that their kids get started on the right foot for a lifetime of dental health.
What is Early Dental Care?
Early dental care refers to dental treatment that begins in infancy. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should have their first dental visit by the age of one or within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth. The first visit is typically just a brief checkup and an introduction to the experience of going to the dentist. Future visits may include a more thorough cleaning and examination according to the child’s comfort level.
Preventive Care
When it comes to dental care, prevention is the ultimate goal. Keeping the teeth healthy rather than repairing damage is preferable. Even if you are brushing your baby’s teeth at home, plaque can still develop as soon as a tooth is visible above the gumline. Regular cleanings ensure that plaque is removed before it can cause cavities.
Monitor Tooth Eruption
For most infants, the first tooth will appear sometime between the age of 6-12 months. In some cases babies will reach their first birthday without any visible teeth, but they are likely soon to come. Your dentist can monitor tooth eruption and development as your baby grows with regular dental visits.
Get Comfortable With Dental Treatment
A major benefit of early dental care is that it allows children to get used to the experience of going to the dentist from a young age. This significantly reduces the likelihood that a child will develop dental anxiety, or fear of going to the dentist. Regular dental visits twice a year beginning in infancy helps babies, toddlers, and young children feel comfortable with dental care.
Monitor Growth and Orthodontic Needs
Another important part of early dental care is monitoring of growth and development of the jaw and teeth alignment. Pacifier use and thumb sucking can affect the shape of the jaw and the position of the teeth. In some cases problems are genetic. Interceptive orthodontics may be recommended for young children to guide growth and reduce the extent of future orthodontic treatment.
Make Dental Care a Priority
Dental care should be a priority for the whole family. Beginning with early dental care, you set the tone for your child’s oral health. Parents who take care of their teeth have children who learn to take care of their teeth, and those positive habits will follow them into adulthood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Dental Care
When does insurance start covering dental care for children?
If your child is covered by dental insurance, they should be eligible for benefits right away, or by their first birthday. Contact your insurance provider to make sure your child has been added to your plan.
What if my child doesn’t have any teeth by 18 months?
Even if none of your child’s teeth have erupted by their first birthday, they should have a dental checkup. If there are still no visible teeth by 18 months, schedule a follow up visit. There is no reason to worry; children develop at different rates.
Schedule Your Child’s Visit Today
At Valley Smiles Pediatric Dentistry you and your child will find a warm, inviting environment that helps children feel comfortable. We make dental care fun so that kids actually want to go to the dentist when the time comes.
Call 201-746-4626 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.