Today, pediatric dentists recommend that children have their first dental visit by age one or six months after their first tooth appears. Many parents may be surprised by this guideline.
The benefits of early dental care have been well-established. They can affect your child’s oral and overall health for a lifetime.
Benefits of Early Dental Care
Lower Lifetime Dental Costs
If your child receives consistent dental care starting in infancy, they will have fewer difficulties throughout their lives. They will not need as many fillings or crowns, leading to lower lifetime costs. Investing in dental care early on can lead to better oral health throughout your child’s lifetime.
Eliminate Discomfort
Many children who do not receive regular dental care have painful cavities. They may not have the vocabulary to tell parents that their teeth hurt, instead becoming fussy and irritable. Untreated decay can impact a child’s mood and school performance.
Promote Self-Esteem
Children with dental problems often feel self-conscious. Regular dental care can boost their confidence.
Better Overall Health
Researchers link poor oral health to various severe health conditions later in life, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Giving your children’s oral health a solid start can help them avoid these issues in adulthood.
Oral Hygiene Tips for Parents
Brush your child’s teeth at least twice daily using an extra-soft toothbrush. You can use a smear of children’s fluoride toothpaste. The benefits of fluoride use outweigh the minor risks. After age three, you can begin using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Ensure your child brushes for a full two minutes. Use a toothbrush timer if needed.
Provide age-appropriate oral hygiene instruction and let your child practice brushing their teeth. However, it would help if you brushed for the child until they are six or seven years old and supervised until age nine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Dental Care
When should I start taking care of my child’s teeth?
Dental care should begin in infancy. Even before a child’s primary teeth begin to erupt, parents can start wiping the child’s gums with a clean, damp baby washcloth. This practice leads to a cleaner mouth and allows the child to become accustomed to dental care.
When do I need to start flossing my child’s teeth?
You can begin flossing your child’s teeth when they start to touch, which usually happens at about age four or five.
Call Wilson Park Dental
Little smiles deserve the best care. Pediatric dentists emphasize the importance of early dental care to protect your child’s lifetime oral and overall health. If you need to make an appointment for your child, please call our Rapid City, SD, office at 605-343-9352.