Discover the importance of regular pediatric dentist appointments. Schedule a visit today for your child's healthy smile!

Early Detection and Prevention

With regular dental checkups, you can detect signs of tooth decay early. This will ensure your child receives immediate treatment.

Otherwise, tooth decay can affect their oral and overall health. Cavities start small before gradually growing. However, they don't always cause pain in the beginning.

Symptoms include:

• Black or white tooth stains
• A visible hole in a tooth
• Tooth sensitivity or pain

Your child may not realize they have a cavity until the decay spreads. About 13.2% of children ages 5 to 19 have untreated dental cavities. Another 46% have untreated or restored caries in one or more permanent teeth.

Cavities develop from plaque; a mix of food particles, acid, saliva, and bacteria. Usually, brushing and flossing can keep plaque at bay. Without proper oral hygiene, plaque can harden and release acid, causing decay.

Regular dental checkups allow the dentist to assess your child's teeth. They'll recognize early signs of decay, even if your child doesn't.

They can recommend early-stage treatment. This includes fluoride, which may restore the tooth's enamel to prevent further decay.

Without treatment, your child may have difficulty chewing and ongoing pain. Their risk of damaging a tooth or developing an abscess will increase. An abscess can trigger an infection or sepsis.

Choose a pediatric dentist who prioritizes preventive dentistry. They can help your child avoid decay before it occurs.

Preventive dentistry can save you time and money. You can avoid extensive, expensive treatments while ensuring your child's health.

Promote Good Children's Dental Health

Early exposure to the dentist will shape your child's perception of oral health. They'll recognize the importance of dental visits from an early age.

This instills a positive attitude toward dental care, which can minimize dental anxiety. The dentist can educate your child on proper brushing and flossing techniques. They can also communicate the importance of eating a balanced diet.

Your child will start applying oral hygiene best practices at home. They'll want to keep their teeth clean before their next dental check-up.

Developing these healthy habits from a young age can benefit your child into adulthood. They'll take their oral health seriously, even after moving out. Your child will understand the importance of dental visits and schedule appointments themselves.

The dentist can educate you during these appointments, too. You can learn ways to improve your child's oral health between appointments. These methods include:



• Brushing and flossing daily
• Scheduling regular dental checkups
• Ensuring fluoride exposure
• Protecting teeth during sports
• Discouraging thumb-sucking
• Limiting sugary foods and beverages
  

Monitor Development

During each dental exam, the dentist will assess the development of your child's jaws and teeth. This allows them to identify potential orthodontic concerns.

Your child may require orthodontic intervention. Early treatment (Phase One) usually begins around age eight or nine. Phase Two treatment starts around age 11.

The goal of early treatment is to correct bite problems or to correct the jaw's growth. This will make space for your child's permanent teeth to emerge properly. Correcting alignment issues can reduce the chances of future tooth extractions.

Signs that your child may need orthodontic treatment include:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty biting/chewing
• Mouth breathing, sleep apnea, or snoring
• Crowded front teeth
• Shifting of the jaw
• Teeth that don't come together properly
• Protruding teeth
• Speech impediments or lisps



If these problems sound familiar, visit your child's pediatric dentist. They'll determine if it's time for your child to start orthodontic treatment.

Professional Cleanings

Even with proper oral hygiene at home, plaque can develop on and between your child's teeth. Professional cleanings can remove this buildup more effectively. This will reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums. It can cause your child's teeth to become red, swollen, or tender. Their gums may bleed when they brush or floss.

Without treatment, your child's teeth may shift. As the bacteria spread below the gum line, the bones supporting their teeth can deteriorate. This will increase the risk of your child losing teeth.



Gum disease increases the risk of serious health conditions. These include lung disease, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. If your child's teeth are bleeding, schedule a visit right away.

Reduced Dental Anxiety

Routine dental appointments from a young age will help your child grow comfortable visiting the dentist. Otherwise, they could develop dental anxiety. Their anxiety could get worse as they get older.

Between 50 and 80% of adults in the US have some degree of dental anxiety. Over 20% of anxious patients don't see the dentist regularly. Between 9 and 15% avoid care altogether.

Neglecting to visit the dentist could compromise your child's oral health. Remember, they may not realize they have tooth decay until their symptoms worsen.

Pediatric dentists understand how to keep children calm during appointments. They'll put your child at ease. As your child grows more comfortable, they'll even get excited about visiting the dentist.

Regular appointments will give your child and the dentist time to develop a positive relationship. As trust forms between them, future appointments will feel less daunting.

Make sure to choose a dentist with years of experience treating your patients. Visit their practice to ensure it's kid-friendly. A vibrant, playful environment can put your child at ease.

Schedule a Pediatric Dentist Appointment

Don't wait to schedule your child's next pediatric dentist appointment. Routine appointments can set them up for long-term success.

Searching for a kids' dentist near me? Our team at Dentiland offers affordable, high-quality pediatric care. We provide all the services your child needs under one roof.

Trust our certified pediatric dentist to improve your child's smile. Book a dental visit today!