A child’s oral health begins developing long before their first tooth erupts. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children first see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of that first tooth coming in. These infant oral health visits provide a wealth of benefits for a child’s current and future oral health. Here’s why early detection of oral health issues is so important for children’s oral health.
Why Is Early Detection So Important?
Detecting a dental health problem early can make the difference between a cavity being prevented and a tooth needing extraction later on. Many oral health issues can advance very quickly, which can lead to a variety of problems such as discomfort, infections, and alignment issues. By detecting a problem sooner rather than later, it can be treated in its early stages while the harm may still be able to be reversed.
What Effect Does an Infant’s Oral Health Have on Their Overall Health?
It’s also important to know that an infant’s oral health can have long-term consequences on their oral and overall health throughout their lives. If a child experiences tooth decay at a young age, they are more likely to deal with issues like cavities and gum disease later on. This can even lead to significant overall health issues like infections, malnutrition, and cognitive delays.
How Can I Know How to Teach My Young Child About Proper Oral Care?
Equally important to treating problems is learning how to prevent them. Regular pediatric dental appointments can help parents better understand how to teach their children excellent oral health habits that can prevent dental problems from developing. This includes matters such as brushing and flossing, starting on fluoride, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks.
If there’s anything new parents need more of, it’s sleep, and proper oral care can prevent a child from spending many nights screaming and crying due to oral pain. By taking your child to regular dental appointments, you can set them up for a lifetime of excellent oral health.
About the Practice
Oakbrook Dental & Orthodontics delivers the finest dental care available in McKinney, TX. Led by Dr. Nathan Coughlin, Manhvu Nguyen, Vinhson Nguyen, and Stephanie Weng, the skilled staff is dedicated to providing patients with remarkable results in a warm and welcoming environment. Services include preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more information about preserving a child’s oral health, contact the office online or dial (469) 526-4040.