It’s common for parents to avoid taking their child to the dentist until they’re already tying their shoes and brushing their teeth independently. But dental care is designed to be preventative, before common problems like cavities and toothaches pop up.
If you’re wondering whether to bring your child in to see a dentist, it’s probably time. Here are some of the most important points in a child’s development in which dental care is crucial.
When Their First Tooth Erupts
The average paediatric specialist will recommend taking your child in for a dental checkup by the time they turn 1 or their first tooth erupts, whichever comes first.
Although it may seem unnecessary, these early visits are crucial for parent education, implementing proper oral care habits, making good dietary choices and pinpointing developmental concerns.
Every Six Months
To keep your child’s smile healthy and cavity free, it’s best to book a scale and clean every six months. These periodic preventative care appointments make it easier to monitor their oral health and intervene when problems are small. We’ll clean their teeth, evaluate the integrity of existing dental work, recommend fluoride or sealants as needed and suggest any adjustments in home care that are necessary.
Around Their Seventh Birthday
By age 7, most children have a mixture of permanent and primary (adult and baby) teeth. At this point in development, we can get a general preview of what their adult smile will look like. Problems such as crowding, impacted teeth or jaw misalignment can be intercepted early, avoiding the potential of complex orthodontic treatments in their teen years.
If They’re in Pain
A throbbing toothache is one of the most painful conditions a child will ever experience (possibly aside from an earache). The sharp jolt can make it impossible to eat or even go to school.
Toothaches shouldn’t be handled with an at-home remedy, but an over the counter pain reliever can lessen discomfort until you’re able to make it to our office. Even if symptoms improve with medication, be sure to contact us the same day before they flare up again.
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