Friday, October 14, 2016

Time for Your Checkup: When Should Your Child First See a Dentist and Other FAQs

As parents we are constantly striving to ensure our children have the most optimal health possible… from their immune systems to their hearing & eyesight to their pearly whites.

Many aspects of raising a beautiful, blossoming bambino are easy to keep up with, but others aren’t so self-explanatory… like maintaining a marvelous mouth!
Where should you start when it comes to your kids’ proper dental hygiene or keeping gums and teeth in good shape, you might ask? Start with this blog, of course!

We’ve pulled together some of the most frequently asked questions regarding oral health for your offspring:

1. When should I take my child for his or her first dentist appointment?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your little one should see a pediatric dentist when you see his/her first tooth, or at least by the time he/she turns a year old. Seeing a children’s dentist at this young of an age can help prevent dental problems from occurring early on.

2. How often should kids go to the dentist?
The AAPD advises parents to take their children in for a checkup every six months, in order to help prevent cavities or other dental problems. Your pediatric dentist, however, can provide you with a better idea of how often he or she should go in, based in his/her individual oral health.


3. Can the use of a pacifier or excessive thumbsucking be bad for my child’s teeth?
Possibly. Pacifier and/or thumbsucking habits may only become a problem if your child does it for an extensive period of time. While most kids have been known to discontinue these behaviors on their own, there’s a chance he or she could still be sucking his/her thumb or fingers past the age of three. In these rare cases, a pediatric dentist may recommend mouth appliance for your child.

4. How do I find a pediatric dentist that’s close to my home?
The AAPD has a web site to help you find a pediatric dentist office that’s most convenient for you. Just type in your city, state and zip for a list of professionals nearest you. If your entries result in "no matching pediatric dentist records were found," broaden your search by entering the state only or nearest city and state.

5. As a parent, how can I help prevent my young one from developing tooth decay?
Parents can help in the prevention of tooth decay by bringing their children to the dentist regularly, especially upon seeing your child’s first tooth emerge. After that, your child’s pediatric dentist can recommend a specific brushing and flossing regimen to implement with your kids. This oral hygiene routine, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, can help your child develop a lifetime of healthy habits!

For more information about dental health for children, schedule a consultation or an appointment at Smiles R Us for Kids of Carrollton, GA today: (770) 214-5555 or visit us online by clicking here.


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