Dental exams are important for patients of all ages, but not everyone is aware of just how important early childhood dentistry is for promoting good oral health. We recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit at age 3. At Concord Dental Group, pediatric dentistry is provided by our friendly and experienced dentist, Dr. Kyle Whitson.
Importance of Early Childhood Dental Visit
There are many reasons why it is important to begin taking your child to the dentist at an early age. Visiting the dentist regularly during childhood can help your child develop life long good dental habits that include regular dental checkups. Additionally, many children who become accustomed to visiting the dentist from an early age often experience less anxiety about dental visits. Our team creates a comfortable atmosphere that can help children feel more relaxed during dental visits.
Another reason why it is important to begin scheduling regular dental checkups for your child from an early age is for the early detection of potential oral health concerns, such as tooth decay or bite alignment issues. When Dr. Whitson sees your child regularly, that gives him an opportunity to identify potential concerns so they can be addressed early before the problem progresses.
Early Oral Hygiene Habits
In addition to scheduling regular dental exams and cleanings for your child, you can also keep your child’s teeth healthy by instilling good oral hygiene habits at an early age. Children’s teeth should be brushed with a toothpaste containing fluoride twice daily. Parents should brush their children’s teeth for them through the toddler years. After that, children can brush their own teeth with supervision from parents to ensure thorough brushing.
It is also beneficial to floss your child’s teeth before bed every night. Parents should do the flossing for young children who do not have the dexterity to effectively floss on their own. Older children should be able to floss their own teeth. Another good habit to instill in your children from a young age is to limit the consumption of sugary foods and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay.
Pediatric dentistry helps ensure your child’s teeth are healthy. It also promotes good oral health in children beginning at a young age. To schedule your child’s next dental exam with Dr. Whitson, contact us by calling (314) 842-2038.