There are a number of reasons why some parents make the mistake of not taking their child to the dentist regularly. Perhaps their child is afraid of the dentist, and the parents do not want to struggle to get them to their appointments. Furthermore, parents might think that since primary (baby) teeth will fall out anyway, there is no need to spend extra time and money on caring for them. However, such reasoning is fallacious. As we will discuss in this article, ensuring that your child receives proper, professional dental care for their primary teeth is vital.
The Importance of Primary Teeth
Even though primary teeth are temporary, there are several reasons why they deserve adequate care:
- Primary teeth encourage proper dental development. The primary teeth are placeholders for the permanent teeth that are developing beneath them. If the primary teeth come out too early, that may contribute to orthodontic problems.
- Problems with primary teeth can be painful. Dental decay in primary teeth is no less painful than decay in adult teeth. Oral pain may even hinder your child’s performance in school and affect their social interactions.
- Primary teeth aid in eating and speaking. Painful problems with the primary teeth may cause your child to avoid some foods, including nutritious fruits and vegetables. Improper dental development can also lead to speech issues.
Why Should Your Child Visit the Dentist?
You may be doing your best to make sure that your child cares for their teeth at home. That is certainly commendable. However, at-home care is not enough to ensure sound dental health. A professional can identify oral health problems while they are still in their early stages, before they lead to the need for significant and expensive dental treatment.
At routine dental visits, your child will also receive invaluable education on how to properly brush and floss their teeth. The lessons they learn may stick with them for decades to come, helping them to establish excellent oral hygiene habits that set them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Furthermore, regular dental visits that occur at least once every six months help will help your child to establish a trusting relationship with the dentist. They will thus be more likely to adopt a positive view of professional dental care. If you and your child visit the same family dentist, and you speak positively of your own dental appointments, your child may even begin to look forward to their biannual cleanings and checkups.
Dental care is important for individuals of all ages, including young children. If it has been more than six months since your child’s last dental checkup, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment for them.
About the Author
Dr. Angela Santavicca leads the team of professionals in our office. She has over 20 years of experience in her field, and she is happy to put her knowledge to work to help families in Lebanon enjoy the benefits of excellent oral health. If you would like to learn more about how Dr. Santavicca and the rest of our team can help members of your household achieve healthy teeth and gums, contact us today at 603-643-4142.