Regular visits to a pediatric dentist who specializes in young patients are an important part of establishing good oral health practices. Many instances of severe dental conditions in children stem from either a lack of regard for proper hygiene or a lack of knowledge on the proper ways to care for a child's teeth. Check out these common dental conditions that may require a visit to a pediatric dentist as well as general maintenance appointments that children should be attending.
Parents should be prepared for common issues that can lead children to require care from a pediatric dentist. It is important to know the signs to watch out for and the proper course of action to take if any are noticed in a child. The following are all good reasons to make an appointment at the dentist's.
Children should have a first dentist visit before turning 1. A general guideline after the first visit is to schedule a checkup appointment once every six months. At this appointment, a dentist can ask a variety of questions about things such as the child's diet and hygiene habits. This information helps the dentist to determine how at risk the child is for health issues such as cavities and decay. The dentist is also likely to take X-rays and clean and polish the teeth. Most dentists even send kids home with a goodie bag filled with hygiene equipment like toothbrushes and floss.
Sometimes children can develop complications in their dental health. Some of these complications occur at random, but many result from simple poor hygiene. Cavities and tooth decay require procedures more invasive than the basic cleaning, such as fillings and root canals. Another common dental condition to look out for is gingivitis. This is when plaque causes inflammation in the gums, and the disease can progress into more severe forms when left untreated.
Outside of standard upkeep and repairs due to poor hygiene, sometimes children must visit the dentist for other reasons, such as toothaches, sensitivity, and crowding. As a general rule of thumb, children should be brought to the dentist if anything in their mouth looks out of the ordinary or is causing them discomfort. It is always better to be safe than to be sorry.
Children require regular visits to a pediatric dentist to maintain good dental health. They also must practice proper dental hygiene outside of the dentist's office visits, including regular brushing and flossing. If proper dental upkeep is not maintained, then children run the risk of developing serious damage such as cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Check your children regularly for signs of dental issues that can pose a threat to a child's oral and overall health, and make dental appointments as needed.
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