You only get one set of adult teeth, so taking care of your teeth when you're young is important. Here's why kids should regularly visit a pediatric dentist in addition to brushing and flossing.

Prevent Cavities

Cavities, also called caries, are dental problems caused by tooth decay that leads to tiny holes in your teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 25.9% of adults between the ages of 20 and 44 live with untreated cavities. Regular visits to the dentist can help prevent cavities, and teaching kids to take care of their teeth instills habits that stick with them as they get older.

Keep Your Teeth Longer

When your adult teeth fall out, a new tooth doesn't grow in its place. Regular trips to the pediatric dentist when you're a kid can help prevent long-term issues that could lead to you losing your teeth. Missing teeth are a big cosmetic issue for a lot of people, but they can also be very expensive to fix. Depending on which tooth you're missing, it might even be difficult to eat, speak, or swallow.

Keep Your Heart Healthy

Did you know that your dental health might actually have an effect on your heart? Research suggests that the bacteria that cause gum disease may actually be able to travel to other parts of your body and cause inflammation. Gum disease can also lead to further dental issues, so it's best to take care of your teeth when you're young and do what you can to avoid gum disease altogether.

Identify Problems Early

Regular visits to a pediatric dentist make it easier to spot dental problems early on, which minimizes the impact of those dental problems and makes them easier to treat. You can also get professional guidance on any dental issues your children may have, so you don't have to buy over-the-counter products and try to figure out dental care on your own.

Taking care of your teeth when you're young is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success later in life. Dental work can be expensive, especially when it's primarily cosmetic. Children can take better care of their teeth by brushing and flossing regularly and visiting a pediatric dentist twice a year. If your kids are in need of a trip to the dentist, contact Pediatric Dental Specialists to schedule an appointment today.