As a parent, one of our primary jobs is ensuring the health of our children. Dental health is an important aspect of that. Many people may mistakenly believe that since baby teeth are designed to fall out anyway, taking care of them isn’t as important as taking care of our adult smiles. But, as Dr. Vihangi Thakore, a top-rated dentist in Lowell, explains, that is a myth.
“Our children’s baby teeth play an important role in helping the adult smile take proper shape,” says Dr. Thakore. “Regular dental visits can help prevent more serious issues and promote good oral habits, so your child’s smile stays healthy for a lifetime.”
Regular checkups keep your child healthy
Nearly 50% of children aged 2-19 have had cavities in their teeth, and 51% of school aged children have some form of tooth decay. Establishing a relationship for your child with a dentist can help keep dental decay at bay.
But, if your child were to develop a cavity, a regular checkup can catch it before it has a chance to grow. Untreated tooth decay can lead to pain and infection, and can also cause problems with speaking and eating. Pain caused by untreated dental decay can also lead to missed school days. National statistics show that more than 51 million hours of school time are missed annually by U.S. children due to oral health issues.
In addition to checking for cavities, regular checkups can also identify:
- Enamel issues – Weakened enamel can increase the risk of tooth decay. Fluoride treatments can help keep your child’s teeth strong and more resistant to decay.
- Gum issues – Gum disease can be painful but is reversible, especially when caught early.
- Alignment issues – The ability to diagnoses alignment issues allows for early orthodontic intervention, which can correct issues before they have the chance to become more complicated.
Regular checkups create good oral habits
Regular dental checkups help your child understand the importance of their oral health. When you make it a priority, so will they. We can work together to ensure your child understands how to care for their smile. That means helping your child understand not only the importance of brushing and flossing, but proper technique, as well. We can also discuss how healthy eating habits support dental health, and help them address habits that can negatively affect the growth of their smile.
Regular checkups are the key to long-term oral health
Daily brushing and flossing are crucial to keeping your child’s smile healthy, but that’s not all it takes. Preventive care should also include regular dental checkups because we have additional tools at our disposal that can help your safeguard your child’s smile.
- Fluoride treatments – Fluoride is an essential nutrient that strengthens our enamel and helps protect our teeth against cavities. After every dental check-up, we can apply a special fluoride varnish to offer additional protection for your child’s smile.
- Dental sealants – Even the most diligent brusher can have difficulty cleaning the back molars, but dental sealants can help protect against decay. The surface of our molars are rough and food debris and bacteria can linger if not brushed away properly. Sealants provide a protective coating to keep decay at bay.
- Professional cleanings – Regular brushing is important, but a professional cleaning can remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing can’t. If plaque and tartar continue to build up, it can lead to decay and gum disease.
- Patient education – Our dental team can work with you and your child to better understand how healthy oral habits can have an impact on your child’s overall health.
Regular dental checkups reduce dental anxiety
It is estimated that between 50-80% of adults have some level of dental anxiety. Establishing a relationship for your child with a pediatric dentist at an early age can help them feel comfortable at the dentist and reduce the chance of them developing dental anxiety. When dental care is seen as an essential part of our lives, it helps our children feel comfortable and at ease.
At Lowell Dental Arts, we take the comfort of your child seriously. Our team works to create an environment where patients of all ages can feel at home and at ease. We take the time to get to know each of our patients and give them plenty of time to ask questions so they can feel like they are a partner in their care. When we can make your child’s dental visit enjoyable, we can help them develop a healthy attitude toward their dental care. And that means we can help them keep their smile healthy for years to come.
Regular dental checkups should start early
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend that children have their first dental visit within six months of the eruption of their first tooth, or by their first birthday at the latest. Children should then visit the orthodontist every six months for regular checkups.
Some children may require more frequent checkups, however. Some signs your child may need to see a dentist more often include:
- History of cavities
- Weak tooth enamel
- High sugar intake
- Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene
- Signs of gum inflammation or discomfort
Taking the time to invest in your child’s oral care sets them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. It can also save you time and money in the future. Studies show that children who have their first dental visit by the age of one have lower dental costs in their first five years of life. By starting positive oral habits early, we can work together to keep your child’s smile healthy.
Don’t wait for a problem to appear to establish a relationship with a dentist. Schedule your child’s appointment at Lowell Dental Arts today by calling us at 978-458-1114.
