5 Reasons Why Every Child Should See a Pediatric Dentist Regularly
Regularly taking your child to see a kids dentist can positively affect their oral health. Besides preventing tooth decay and gum disease, pediatric dentistry can also help your child form good oral hygiene habits that they will carry into adulthood.
When choosing a dentist for your child, be sure to find out if they are a certified specialist in pediatric dentistry. This ensures they have the right tools and expertise to care for your child’s teeth and mouth.
Prevent Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental diseases in children. It occurs when bacteria eat food and produce acid that erodes the tooth enamel.
When this happens, the teeth become swollen and irritated. This can be painful and can cause pain to spread to the gums, root canal, and bone.
You can prevent tooth decay by following basic oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing regularly.
Kids should brush their teeth twice daily for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush specially designed for small mouths. A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is also recommended for younger children.
Moreover, you can help prevent tooth decay by limiting the number of sweets, sugary drinks, and starchy snacks your child consumes throughout the day. Likewise, you can encourage your child to drink a glass of water after meals and snacks.
Boost Self-Esteem
Not only does seeing a pediatric dentist regularly keep your child’s teeth and gums in tip-top shape, but it also has several other benefits.
One of the most important is improving your child’s self-esteem. Boosting their confidence with a beautiful smile can significantly impact how they interact with others daily.
In addition, seeing a dentist regularly can help them develop the skills to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent more serious dental problems down the road.
Pediatric dentists are specially trained to make dentistry fun and entertaining for kids. They use kid-friendly equipment and terminology and colorful themed office decor to keep the little ones occupied while their teeth are cleaned. To find out more about what Pediatric dentists do to make their patients feel comfortable click here.
Prevent Gum Disease
Regularly seeing a pediatric dentist can prevent gum disease, a severe oral health condition affecting the gum tissue and surrounding bone. The milder form of gum disease, called gingivitis, usually resolves with good brushing and flossing habits.
The more severe form of gum disease, periodontitis, is much harder to reverse. Left untreated can lead to tooth loss and other health problems.
At your child’s checkup appointment, the pediatric dentist can spot signs of gingivitis and other dental concerns before they get worse. They’ll also be able to provide your child with the necessary dental care to preserve their teeth for life!
Help Your Child Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Seeing a pediatric dentist regularly can help your child develop good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. Establishing a routine early will help your child brush and floss their teeth properly, preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues that may lead to pain and discomfort later in life.
Kids are very impressionable at this age, so if they see their parents brushing their teeth and flossing regularly, getting them in on the action is a good idea.
Rather than making brushing and flossing seem unpleasant, please encourage your children to do it in a fun way they enjoy. For example, you might set up a chart that awards gold stars to your child each time they brush and floss their teeth.
Help Your Child Develop Healthy Diet Habits
One of the biggest things kids need to develop is healthy diet habits. A diet full of high-quality protein, fruits & vegetables, and low-sugar snacks helps reduce the chances of developing tooth decay.
A pediatric dentist educates families on dietary choices that can impact oral health. Introducing healthy eating habits early makes kids more likely to stick with these strategies as they grow up.
In addition, foods that contain calcium and phosphate help keep teeth strong and healthy. These include leafy greens like kale, collard, broccoli, spinach, and kelp. Cheese is also a great choice, as it can help maintain the mouth’s pH and decrease the risk of tooth erosion.
