The first dental appointment for your child is a significant milestone, but it might be more effective than some parents realise. We know you place great significance on your child’s health, but this focus should also extend to their dental health. Once a child is old enough, most parents schedule an appointment for their child to go to the dentist for the first time. Making these visits routine is an even better idea.
Most family dentists urge parents to bring their children in as early as possible, so think about it for your children. Here is a list of the top reasons why allowing your child to visit the dentist should be one of your priorities while looking after their general health.
Here are a few reasons for taking your kid to the dentist.
Better care from the beginning.
You want what’s best for your child as a parent, including their teeth. You might feel more at ease by visiting a paediatric dentist in Calgary in your area since you’ll receive guidance on good dental hygiene.
For instance, you can speak with the child’s dentist if there is a family history of dental issues. Additionally, this is the ideal time to research new dental techniques and treatments.
To prevent oral issues
The first step in preventing dental decay in children is to take them to the dentist at a young age. In addition to performing preventative procedures like cleanings and dental sealants, the paediatric dentist will examine the kid and search for indications of decay.
Even though primary teeth are transitory, maintaining their health is crucial. When it comes to speech development in kids, they play a pivotal role, and when the time comes, they also direct the eruption of the permanent teeth. Premature milk tooth loss may result in bite problems.
To make them feel at ease
It is simpler to take your child to the dentist while they are small. Children benefit from early dental appointments because they become accustomed to being in the chair. It is more difficult when a child is six or seven years old when they first come.
They also build a rapport with the dentist, making them feel more comfortable. As a result of their familiarity with the paediatric dentist, subsequent appointments no longer cause concern. Additionally, a paediatric dentist may learn how to treat your child from a young age.
To treat developing gums and teeth
Family dentists are prepared to handle children’s dental requirements. Since children’s teeth are still developing, there may be certain problems (such as over-retained baby teeth and cavities) that the dentist can examine during each appointment. Family dentists are also qualified to handle issues for older children, such as wisdom teeth and braces.
To deal with dental emergencies
Frequent dental emergencies can happen when you least expect it or want them to, but when it involves your child, they can be very serious. Baby teeth are prone to damage (such as cavities), and losing them can negatively affect the health of the jaw as a whole. You must take your child to dentist regularly as it can help you avoid common dental problems like tooth decay and can also facilitate getting quick medical assistance in the event of more serious developments.
To limit the harm in the event of an emergency, go fast and take your child to the dentist immediately away. A tooth may be saved or lost depending on how quickly you intervene.
Establish good habits
Fostering lifelong dental habits in children is one part of family dental care. Many children have bad habits like grinding their teeth and sucking their fingers. Dentists can lend a hand in assisting patients in breaking bad habits and developing new ones in their place.
Dentists may also play a significant role in encouraging your children to develop regular brushing and flossing habits. Typically, they do this by providing engaging explanations for young children. Parents may benefit from these visits as well. To assist you in maintaining your young one’s oral health, the dentist may provide helpful advice during your child’s first appointment on common dental problems they may have, such as baby bottle tooth decay.
To get a mouth protector
As children age, they could start experimenting with new interests and hobbies. For the more athletic children, it could be a good idea to spend money on a mouthguard to keep their teeth and gums safe while playing.
Consult your dentist about getting your kids custom-fit mouthguards for enhanced protection. Custom mouthguards can offer significantly greater protection in the event of injuries to the face in addition to fitting better. Invest in one so your children may be as protected as possible while engaging in enjoyable activities.
Teeth cleaning
A deeper teeth cleaning is one of the services a dentist may provide for your child. This enables the dentist to clean difficult-to-reach areas that you and your children might struggle with. Whether your kid still has baby teeth or has grown into permanent ones, preventive dental care, such as routine brushing and flossing, is crucial, but going to the dentist for a full cleaning is just as vital.
Prepare your child for the first visit
If at all feasible, arrange appointments in the morning when small children are attentive and rested. Give a preschooler or older child a broad description of the visit to help them be ready. The dental room, potential tools, potential face masks used by the dentist and hygienist, and the intense exam light can all be described to the patient. Describe the significance of seeing the dentist.
Conclusion
Include your child’s first dentist appointment to celebrate all the firsts in your children’s life. Your children should have regular dental exams, especially while they are young. Allow your children to visit the dentist while they are small. It helps children maintain the cleanliness and brilliance of their teeth and gives them a head start on taking proper care of their oral health.
