While it may seem like taking your child to the dentist for regular
cleanings isn't that important, it actually is crucial for a healthy smile. If
you've been avoiding taking your child to the dentist because you think it's
not worth the hassle, check out these three benefits of regular cleanings and
exams for your child.
One of the main reasons anyone should go to the dentist, regardless of age,
is so the dentist can catch potential problems early. With children, their
teeth and mouths are still developing, so catching potential issues early can
drastically reduce complications and necessary procedures in the future.
For example, if your child hasn't been brushing properly, regular exams will
reveal this, so you and your child can correct the problem before tartar builds
and teeth decay. Of course, the dentist can also catch more serious problems,
such as missing teeth, dry mouth, sensitivity, and infection.
Another reason to see the dentist regularly is so treatments can begin
early. This is extremely important if your child may need braces in the future.
Some teens need additional procedures to prepare their mouth for braces, such
as having teeth removed or adjusting the width of the mouth. Some of these can
be done well before your child needs actually needs braces, so when they are
older, treatment may be shorter.
You probably do your best to keep your permanent teeth healthy because
they're the last set you'll grow. However, even though primary teeth are
temporary, they play an important role in your child's overall oral
development, and one of the best ways to keep primary teeth healthy is with
regular cleanings and exams to remove tartar and plaque.
At the very least, keeping your child's primary teeth healthy will make
their life easier. Missing or damaged teeth from decay can make eating and
speaking difficult, which can affect your child's overall health and verbal
skills as they get older. Of course, healthy teeth are also less likely to experience
pain from decay, sensitivity, or infection.
Primary teeth are also placeholders for permanent teeth, and without them,
permanent teeth have a harder time growing properly. Ideally, a healthy primary
tooth creates a path for the permanent tooth to follow, so your teeth grow as
straight as possible. If your child loses a primary tooth, the permanent tooth
has a harder time erupting straight.
You can be anxious about going to the dentist at any age, but you can help
your child now and in the future by getting them more familiar with the
dentist. The more you expose them to the dentist and dental procedures, the
more comfortable they will be going to the dentist.
Having your child visit the dentist regularly will also help familiarize the
dentist with your child. Every child is different and develops differently. If
your child sees their dentist regularly, the dentist becomes familiar with what
is and is not normal.
However, if you don't bring your child in for regular appointments, dental
visits can cause stress for you and your child. Worse, if your child develops a
phobia about visiting the dentist, it may stick with them as they grow. When
they are older, they may purposely avoid going to the dentist for cleanings or
even minor treatments, which increases the risk of tooth loss, infection, gum
disease, and major decay. If they do go, they may need sedation for even minor
treatments, which can increase the price.
Caring for your child involves taking them to the dentist for regular
cleanings and exams. This is the best way to protect your child's oral healthy
now and in the future. For more information about child dental services, contact us
at Teresita V.
Hernandez, DDS, today.
