Wednesday 24 June 2015

When Your Child Should Start Coming to the Dentist

After your child is born the first year is full of developmental milestones that can set the stage for health later in life. With so many things to focus on such as sleep and feeding, it’s important to not neglect the importance of establishing an oral health care routine with your child.

Both the Canadian and American Pediatric Dental Associations recommend that a child be seen at the dentist when they get their first tooth or by their first birthday. The earlier the start the better to help implement good oral hygiene habits. In fact, studies show that a large number of 2- and 3-year-olds already have cavities; some of these children will require invasive treatment and hospitalization.

Good dentist-led education throughout your child’s first year will give your toddler the best chance for a cavity-free mouth. During the early dental visits it’s not just sign’s of cavities that are being looked for by the Pediatric Dentist. In addition they will look at development of the teeth and jaws as well as providing information on oral hygiene, proper nutrition, and any habits they have.

Proper dental care can have a positive impact on your child’s quality of life. However, a lack of dental care can have a negative impact. Research shows that early childhood cavities can lead to

 •  physical symptoms, such as pain, that can lead to malnutrition and delayed growth from a reluctance to eat

 •  focusing problems that can impact school grades

 •  functional problems, including poor chewing and limited communication due to  poor speech and a loss of space in the mouth

 •  psychological effects from the low self-esteem that results when a child’s mouth and teeth don’t look their best

 •  a higher risk of future cavities

Prevention is very important and don’t wait until your child experiences problems before visiting our office. Infancy is a critical time when it comes to laying down a foundation for good oral health. Setting up an effective oral health routine early is easier than changing unhealthy habits later on.

1 comment:

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