While it may seem like taking your child to the dentist for regular cleanings isn't that important, it actually is crucial for a healthy smile. If you've been avoiding taking your child to the dentist because you think it's not worth the hassle, check out these three benefits of regular cleanings and exams for your child.
One of the main reasons anyone should go to the dentist, regardless of age, is so the dentist can catch potential problems early. With children, their teeth and mouths are still developing, so catching potential issues early can drastically reduce complications and necessary procedures in the future.
For example, if your child hasn't been brushing properly, regular exams will reveal this, so you and your child can correct the problem before tartar builds and teeth decay. Of course, the dentist can also catch more serious problems, such as missing teeth, dry mouth, sensitivity, and infection.
Another reason to see the dentist regularly is so treatments can begin early. This is extremely important if your child may need braces in the future. Some teens need additional procedures to prepare their mouth for braces, such as having teeth removed or adjusting the width of the mouth. Some of these can be done well before your child needs actually needs braces, so when they are older, treatment may be shorter.
You probably do your best to keep your permanent teeth healthy because they're the last set you'll grow. However, even though primary teeth are temporary, they play an important role in your child's overall oral development, and one of the best ways to keep primary teeth healthy is with regular cleanings and exams to remove tartar and plaque.
At the very least, keeping your child's primary teeth healthy will make their life easier. Missing or damaged teeth from decay can make eating and speaking difficult, which can affect your child's overall health and verbal skills as they get older. Of course, healthy teeth are also less likely to experience pain from decay, sensitivity, or infection.
Primary teeth are also placeholders for permanent teeth, and without them, permanent teeth have a harder time growing properly. Ideally, a healthy primary tooth creates a path for the permanent tooth to follow, so your teeth grow as straight as possible. If your child loses a primary tooth, the permanent tooth has a harder time erupting straight.
You can be anxious about going to the dentist at any age, but you can help your child now and in the future by getting them more familiar with the dentist. The more you expose them to the dentist and dental procedures, the more comfortable they will be going to the dentist.
Having your child visit the dentist regularly will also help familiarize the dentist with your child. Every child is different and develops differently. If your child sees their dentist regularly, the dentist becomes familiar with what is and is not normal.
However, if you don't bring your child in for regular appointments, dental visits can cause stress for you and your child. Worse, if your child develops a phobia about visiting the dentist, it may stick with them as they grow. When they are older, they may purposely avoid going to the dentist for cleanings or even minor treatments, which increases the risk of tooth loss, infection, gum disease, and major decay. If they do go, they may need sedation for even minor treatments, which can increase the price.
Caring for your child involves taking them to the dentist for regular cleanings and exams. This is the best way to protect your child's oral healthy now and in the future. For more information about child dental services, contact us at Teresita V. Hernandez, DDS, today.
Teresita V. Hernandez, DDS
4612 Jefferson Highway Jefferson, LA 70121
Phone:
504-733-9800 (Voice Mail)
504-939-9801 (Text Messages)
Fax: 504-733-9805
Email: tvhern1dds@gmail.com
Office Hours:
Wednesday-Saturday, 11
a.m.-4 p.m.
We monitor calls 24/7. Please leave a message during business hours, and we will respond ASAP.