Preventative dental care is essential for patients of all ages, but it is crucial for children. If minor dental problems aren’t treated, it increases the risk of developing complex dental concerns. Preventative dental care is an excellent way to combat this issue and can start seeing the dentist as early as age one.
Primary Teeth are Important for Chewing
When babies are born, their primary teeth have already been developed. Most infants get their first tooth between 6 months and 1 year of age, but this varies. Even when a child doesn’t have teeth, their gums can still be cleaned using a soft, wet cloth. As soon as a tooth appears, it is good to start cleaning it with a toothbrush.
Primary teeth are crucial to a child’s development, and they open up a whole new world of food and chewing. Primary teeth also help your child speak properly, and they hold space for permanent teeth. While a gummy smile is cute on an infant, a toothy toddler is just as precious.
Preventing Decay and Gum Disease is Important for Overall Wellness
Did you know that kids as early as 12 years of age can show signs of gum disease? Cavities can strike kids as soon as their first tooth comes in, affecting their immune system and overall well-being. Children who develop plaque quickly or have braces might benefit from cleanings every 3-4 months to aid in the prevention of gum disease and developing cavities.
Braces and orthodontic treatment will help correct crowding and prevent dental disease. Some kids can benefit from Invisalign® (clear braces) and summer is always a great time to start treatment. The option of invisible braces is popular with teenagers and has many benefits over wearing traditional metal braces.
First Dental Visit – What Age Should Kids See A Dentist?
Children should have their first dental visit between 1 and 2 years of age. At this check-up, dental professionals will look for cavities and discuss fluoride and other habits like thumb sucking or sleeping with a bottle. After their first visit, children should see the dentist at least every six months.
What Age Should Kids See a Dentist? Dental Visits for School-Aged Children: Ensure Better School Performance
Did you know dental disease causes children to miss more than 51 million school hours each year? A great way to avoid dental disease is to visit the dentist and for children to brush twice a day for 2 minutes in addition to flossing.
Safe Dental Visits at our Dental Clinics with High Infection Control Standards
What do our offices do to ensure your safety?
At Nebraska Family Dentistry, we know that each parent trusts us to provide a safe and healthy atmosphere for their child. Part of our responsibility to each of you is to provide the highest infection control standard to ensure your child’s safety and health.
We follow all infection control recommendations from the following sources:
✅ CDC Guidelines
✅ OSHA Guidelines
✅ ADA Guidelines
✅ NE Board of Dentistry Guidelines
✅ Clean Air Project
✅ High Infection Control Standards
We welcome the entire family to our practice and would love to teach your child about great oral care. After all, great oral care leads to a healthy smile. There is nothing better than a healthy, confident smile. Call one of our dental clinics near you or visit us online https://nebraskafamilydentistry.com
This article was written by our family dentist, Dr. Lauren Albin
This family dentist sees kids of all ages and their parents.