Maintaining strong, consistent oral health habits is crucial to long-term oral health. The earlier a person commits to a solid oral health routine, the easier it is to maintain strong oral health and a beautiful smile.
Today, we’re exploring the crucial role that dental care throughout childhood plays in setting the stage for a lifetime of confident and healthy smiles!
When Should Kids First See a Dentist?
To many, one year of age will seem a bit young for a dental appointment. However, scheduling your child’s first dental exam at this early stage can be crucial, as it provides your dentist with an opportunity to begin assessing the development of your baby’s gums, first teeth, and jawbone and addressing matters like teething and thumb-sucking.
At What Age Should Kids Regularly See a Dentist?
After the first visit we just discussed, barring an emergency, your child shouldn’t have to see the dentist again until age three or four.
According to the American Dental Association, children are susceptible to cavities as soon as they’ve got teeth, and more than a third of kids between the ages of two and five get cavities in their baby teeth. In addition to being pretty painful, these cavities can lead to issues with eating, speaking, and sleeping properly.
By scheduling regular dental appointments for your child no later than age four, you can ensure they receive the preemptive and preventive care needed to avoid early cavities. Also, dental visits at this age provide another opportunity to address bad habits like thumb-sucking. Additionally, these visits are an excellent chance to begin establishing the habits that make up a strong oral care routine and allow your child to build a relationship with their dentist.
Another Vital Stage for Your Child’s Teeth
Though it’s essential for children to regularly see a dentist from this point forward, age seven (or thereabouts), the point at which a child’s first molars have erupted, is also crucial in dental development. This is an excellent time for a dentist to further evaluate your child’s gum and jawbone development, conduct orthodontal exams, assess the health of their mix of baby and permanent teeth, and provide any necessary preventative care.
Family and Pediatric Dentistry in Middletown, NJ
If you’re in the Middletown area and want an experienced dental team to guide you and your child through the all-important early stages of dental development, contact dentist Dr. Pradeep Sukumar and the team at Middletown Dental to schedule an appointment!