Is My Child Old Enough For The Dentist?
One of the most important roles as a parent is making sure your child is healthy and developing. A big part fo the first years of their life is making sure you make appointments with doctors and dentists that can help track their health, prevent problems in the future, and address any issues with development. In the past, it was very common to not take a child to the dentist until they were a little bit older. But this had a few problems. Children’s teeth are very vulnerable to damage caused by dental decay. If parents put off going to the dentist until their children are older it can lead to dental problems for their teeth and gums. That is why it is important to start seeing the dentist as soon as their first teeth start coming in. Read on for more information, and contact us for family dental appointments in Lisbon Maine.
What Is A Pediatric Dentist?
Different dentists have different ages ranges they are prepared for. For example, some dentists only work with adults and would not recommend you to bring your kids to their office. Aside from potentially not being a fun environment for kids, they might not have the right seats and tools to treat younger children. Many family dental offices provide services for kids and teenagers and specialize in not only cleaning kids teeth but also helping children learn more about dental health and taking care of their teeth. Those offices are designed to be welcoming for kids and the entire team is there to make sure kids are comfortable and have positive dental visits. But not all family dentists provide pediatric dental services. Pediatric dentists provide dental services for young children including children who are 6 months old. It is always recommended to tell your dental provider how old your child is to make sure they are equipped to help your child. If they aren’t they likely know a dentist that can help you!
When Should You Make Your Child's First Dental Appointment?
It is recommended that you see a dentist when your child has their first tooth erupt or when they are six months old. A dental visit at this age has many benefits. First and foremost, any signs of decay or other dental issues can be found and addressed if needed. Your dentist can also make sure that the baby teeth are coming in properly. And for new parents, your dentist can give you recommendations on how to clean your child’s teeth and demonstrate cleaning techniques.
Is It Really A Big Deal If A Baby Tooth Gets A Cavity?
A common mistake made by some parents is assuming that protecting baby teeth isn’t important since the teeth are just temporary. It is really important to protect and care for all your childrens’ teeth since the first set of teeth will effect their adult teeth. Dental decay and gum disease spread throughout the mouth all the way to the tooth root if it is not addressed. A common problem for kids who don’t see dentists for years is that decay has spread down to the adult teeth.
Schedule Dental Appointments in Lisbon Maine
Need to make dental appointments for yourself or your children? We would be happy to help. Our team provides dental services for patients of every age at our dental office in Lisbon Maine.