Benefits of Early Childhood Dental Visits

Early dental visits that center on prevention and education lay the foundation for an ongoing dentist and patient relationship

Oral health in children is as important as any other health aspect vital to their overall physical well-being. It is, therefore, essential to establish a dental hygiene routine right from infancy. Although, starting a child's dental routine right after the first tooth erupts, goes without saying; it is also equally important to begin their dental visits in the early years – either before they turn one or at least six months after they get their first tooth.

Early dental visits that center on prevention and education lay the foundation for an ongoing dentist and patient relationship. It also allows dentists to begin educating parents on the oral health of their child, resulting in reduced caries and other dental risks. Hence, It is imperative that parents have a place to take their child for routine examinations and cleanings regularly and when an emergent situation arises.

Some of the benefits of early dental visits:

Familiarity with professional dental care: Making kids comfortable and building familiarity with professional dental care is the first step in teaching them about dental health and hygiene. Beginning dental visits early in a child's life will make this routine a part of their life. It is especially helpful if the professional has specific training and experience in pediatric dentistry as they would have the knack of putting kids at ease in an alien environment.

Early monitoring for dental problems: Dental visits that begin early in a child's life increase the possibility of detecting dental issues in their nascent stages – this is especially important because kids are highly susceptible to tooth decay. It is also great for parents to learn and be informed about preventive measures such as sealants or additional fluoride to protect the milk teeth.

Prevention poor bite or bad bite: Primary teeth in kids need protection as they play guides for incoming permanent teeth. As kids' teeth transition from primary to permanent, it is crucial to be on the lookout for malocclusion or poor bite – a misalignment between the teeth of the two dental arches. With early dental visits, doctors can predict and initiate measures to lessen the impact of a developing malocclusion - by installing spacers to help guide an erupting permanent tooth. Quick intervention can often reduce the extent of complications in adulthood.

Accident Prevention: Toddlers, more often than not, suffer teeth and mouth injuries while playing or learning to walk. So, it's not just the oral diseases that parents should look out for, but also accidents such as these. A pediatric dentist can advise you on accident prevention tips and help customize a mouth guard for the toddler in your family.

Coaching for parents: What happens every day at home is one of the most critical aspects of children's dental care. Pediatric dentists can act as a coach to both parents and kids and help them with the right brushing and flossing tactics. They can also help them with valuable tips on good dietary practices that promote nutrition and prevent dental disease. Constantly keeping in touch with the dentist can help parents be aware of problems during teething, thumb sucking or teeth grinding.