When I had a badly decayed tooth extracted, I got a partial denture to fill in the gap. I didn't mind it at first, because I was just so happy to have my painful tooth out of my mouth. Over time, I began to get tired of taking it out at night. I asked my dentist if I was could get a dental implant, and he said that my gum disease did not make me a good candidate, but a fixed bridge may be a good option for me. I went with his suggestion, and I have no regrets. I love feeling like I have a real tooth again that I don't have to remove at night. I created this blog to remind other people with a missing tooth that they have many replacement options, and if one is not for you, then try another that may be right.
People of all ages greatly benefit from dental care to help reduce their risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. However, dental care does vary with age. So, even if you've been seeing the dentist responsibly yourself, you may have some questions about dental care for kids and taking your child to the dentist. Learn the answers below.
When do children need to start seeing the dentist?
Most experts agree that children should start seeing the dentist as soon as their first baby teeth erupt. This is usually between the ages of 6 and 12 months. Parents sometimes wonder why these early appointments are necessary since there has not even been time for cavities to form. The answer is "for prevention." At the first appointment, the dentist will teach you how to best brush your baby's teeth to prevent cavities, decay, and gum disease. They'll also look the teeth over for any signs of poor enamel development that could make your child more prone to cavities in the future.
Why is it so important to prevent decay in the baby teeth?
Your child will start losing their baby teeth around the age of 5 or 6, so you may wonder why it's so important to prevent them from developing cavities in this short time. The answer is, mostly, to prevent pain. Cavities in the baby teeth do become painful once they grow large enough. And then, they interfere with your child's ability to chew and speak. Also, a cavity harbors a lot of bacteria, so having an untreated cavity can cause bad breath and increase your child's risk of gum disease. So, even though your child's baby teeth won't be around for long, it really is important to have them cleaned by a dentist and to have any cavities filled by a dentist.
Does your child need to see a pediatric dentist?
Yes, in most cases, it is a good idea to take your child to a dentist who specializes in pediatrics. They are more likely to notice problems that are common in children. They also tend to have equipment, including chairs, that is sized to a child's needs. Plus, the waiting rooms at children's dental offices are much more kid-friendly, which will make going to the dentist a more pleasant experience for your little one.
Hopefully, this piece has answered some of your most burning questions about taking kids to the dentist. Good dental care when they are young will set them up for a lifetime of comfort and healthier teeth.
For more information, contact a local children's dental clinic.
Share15 April 2021
