Pediatric Dentistry

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Parenting has many responsibilities, with one of the most important being teaching your children how to care for themselves. One important aspect of that care is the importance and practice of looking after one's teeth. Dental health is something that is often taken for granted but setting up your child with a robust oral hygiene routine and an understanding of the benefits of taking care of their teeth will make them more likely to enjoy better dental health in the future.

An established oral hygiene routine is essential if one is to retain an attractive, functional smile. It is also important for one's general health since poor oral hygiene and dental problems have been proven to be a contributing factor in the development of a number of medical conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even cancer.

Pediatric dentistry services, offered by your dentist, are invaluable in helping to keep your child’s teeth in the best health possible. Here is what you need to know about pediatric dentistry and what it can do for your little ones.
 

When should I start taking my child to the dentist?

The exact age at which a child will cut their first tooth can vary widely. In most cases, the infant's teeth begin to erupt between 4 and 6 months of age. However, it is not unheard of for a baby to be over a year old before their teeth begin to appear. In very rare cases, babies have even been born with their first tooth already cut! Most dentists that offer pediatric services recommend that you start taking your child to the dentist as soon as they cut their first tooth. These initial visits will involve a brief look into your infant’s mouth to check that the teeth look healthy and in the right position.

However, by the time your child is two years old, they should be able to sit in the chair for a dental examination.

Many children who are fearful of the dentist have developed their anxiety as a result of a phobia passed down from their parents, or because the environment and process are unfamiliar which is why the sooner you get your little one used to visiting the dentist, the less frightened they are likely to be which can make appointments much easier and more pleasant for everyone involved.
 

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