Children undergo many physical changes while growing, including completely replacing their baby teeth with their adult teeth. The best way for a child to ensure good oral health well into adulthood is for them to regularly visit children's dentists. According to the AAPD, a pediatric dentist should treat a child every six months. Here are compelling reasons why.

Examine and Document Changes in Oral Health

Children grow quickly, and so do their teeth and gums. Children's dentists can examine your child's teeth and gums every six months and take X-rays that document those changes. Regular checkups will provide a good reference point for your child's dentist to determine future oral health issues. If you move to another location, the X-rays and other documentation will help a new dentist have a good idea of your child's dental history and any work that might have been done by other dentists.

Prevent Cavities and Other Dental Problems

Children often are unaware of the need to properly brush and floss their teeth. Regular checkups also help dentists diagnose small problems before they become bigger ones that might recur throughout our child's life. If anything looks amiss, such as teeth that are not growing straight, your child's dentist can recommend a treatment plan to correct it.

Keep Teeth Clean and Healthy

A visit to the dentist can help keep children's teeth and gums in good condition with dental cleanings and fluoride treatments to ensure the teeth are in good health. X-rays and a thorough examination will help document a child's current oral health so the dentist can make any necessary changes in treatment. The dental staff can clean the teeth and remove any plaque and tartar buildup that can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. When all is well, your child will be in the dentist's office for just a short time and come out with cleaner teeth that also look great.

Advise Your Child on Good Oral Hygiene

The dentist can be a great resource for showing your child how to care for their teeth and maintain good oral health. Proper brushing and flossing techniques are especially important for preventing cavities and gum disease. Your child also can learn which types of foods and drinks are potentially bad for their oral health and take the right precautions to protect their teeth.

Are you looking for a reliable dentist for your child? If so, contact Pediatric Dental Specialists today to schedule a checkup and cleaning. We'll be happy to tell you more about how our children's dentists can help your child.

Posted 4/3/24