Having good oral health is as important for children as it is for adults. Unlike adults, however, children are still not aware of how to properly take care of their teeth and gums, and have yet to develop good oral hygiene habits. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD), tooth decay is the most prevalent condition affecting children. As the parent, you have to ensure that your child has a healthy body as well as a healthy mouth. Giving your child the right food, making them exercise, and teaching proper hygiene are all important in making sure that your child grows up strong. What some parents may not realize though, is that it’s also important to pay mind to your child’s dental health early on.
Provide Professional Advice and Friendly Dental Services
Like adults, children can also develop caries and gum disease so it’s important to have their oral health checked by your family dentist. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to deal with baby teeth and other teeth-related issues in children. They can explain to parents how they can help take care of their children’s teeth, and how to avoid problems such as tooth decay usually caused by the use of pacifiers, sippy cups, and milk bottles.
A pediatric dentist offers children the same services as they do to adults. The only difference is that pediatric dentists are knowledgeable on the component of child psychology, so they can deal with the behavior of children better while performing dental procedures effectively. These dentists can create an environment where young patients can feel safe and comfortable enough to receive various treatments.
Among the many services that dentists offer, the application of dental sealant on your child’s permanent back teeth is the most recommended, as this area is where cavities usually form.
Help Develop Excellent Oral Hygiene
The dentist can offer expert tips on how your child should brush and floss and how often he or she needs to do so. The dentist can also give you advice on the types of food and beverages your child should ingest, as sugary and starchy food can cause the development of cavities. It’s up to you to start your child on the road to having good oral health, but it’s extremely important that the child develops good oral hygiene habits.
Provide a Positive Experience
Quite a number of adults fear going to the dentist, so it’s important to start regular dental checkups very early. Once your child starts trusting the dentist and becomes comfortable in the dental office, dental visits become a positive experience. Your child won’t have a problem visiting the dentist and receiving much-needed dental care, even in adulthood.
See author’s Google+ Profile: Maria Marzo DDS
Sources:
Early Childhood Caries (ECC), aapd.org
What is a Pediatric Dentist? healthychildren.org
The Importance Of Pediatric Dental Care, colgate.com
