Dental care is important for adults but can be even more important for young children. Regular dental care while children are young is important since preventative care can catch problems early. Establishing a good sense of oral hygiene is just as vital. A Pediatric dentist in Grand Prairie TX can help establish that routine and address any concerns as a child’s teeth develop. Common concerns include overbites, under bites, cavities, brushing habits, and the need for braces or retainers. Browse our website for more information on dental care services.
Recommendations
Most children should start seeing a dentist by age one. Six months after the first tooth has come through is also the optimal time for a child’s first dental visit. Following the first visit, a Pediatric dentist in Grand Prairie TX can make recommendations as to how frequently the child should be seen. Every six months is the standard for most, but more frequent visits can be necessary in certain cases. The development of gingivitis and problems with jaw development are some of the issues that can warrant more frequent visits.
Preventative Care
As part of a child’s regular checkups, a dentist is likely to recommend fluoride treatments every six months. These treatments are usually necessary while the child’s teeth are in development, especially once the adult teeth start coming in. Regular fluoride treatments can help strengthen the teeth and prevent cavities. Sometimes dentists will put a protective coating on select teeth to prevent the future development of cavities. Preventative care also helps remove built-up tartar and plaque that can lead to tooth decay later on.
The benefits of early dental care outweigh the risks of waiting until a child is older. First, a dentist can properly evaluate and catch problems with jaw or tooth development early on. This can help save money in the long run, especially when problems can be corrected from the beginning. Regular cleanings can also prevent the development of cavities and the need to replace teeth. Sometimes teeth do not come in evenly, and routine check-ups can catch these problems and address them before they escalate.
