When should your child visit a dentist?

Every parent is concerned of their child's teeth and is always concerned about the general health of their children. What happens when you as a parent see your child's teeth getting bad? Rush to a dentist immediately if the child is complaining of pain or swelling. But do you realize it's too late and there is no way your child is getting way without a treatment. For this very reason Pedodontists across the globe are on a mission to encourage parents to adapt to preventive approach in dealing with your child's teeth.

But the question arises when is the right time to do so? 10 out of 10 Pedodontists encourage parents to establish a dental home for their child before their first tooth emerges, or by their first birthday. But, what is a dental home, and why is it important? Lets find out.

Understanding the concept of dental home for your child

It’s basically an ongoing relationship between parents and dentist which includes all aspects of oral health from the time child’s teeth erupt. The concept of dental home is more like a team of people helping your child have good oral health. This team would include the pedodontist, your child and you as parents. This approach is mainly family centered where all concerns and queries regarding child’s teeth are taken into consideration. As we all know we have two sets of teeth and the milk teeth are the guiding teeth for your permanent teeth to grow, so it becomes very important to take good care your child’s milk teeth by helping them grow in way it’s supposed to.

Early detection is the only way for less suffering

Pediatric dentists understand common problems that affect your child’s teeth and help them combat dental diseases. Early childhood caries, decayed teeth, fracture of teeth, stains are very common in children and these require specific treatment from a Pediatric dentist. All these problems can be avoided if children are diagnosed at an early stage and preventive measures like fluoride, gels are used for kids.

Exclusive Dental Care for Children

Dental home deals with children from infancy to adolescence taking care of any teeth problems faced by kids. Various brushing habits, fluoride applications or any dietary recommendations are given to children which will help them maintain.

When should patients have their 1^st Dental Home visit?

Early to dentist, early to good oral health! Take your child to see a pedodontist as soon as the child’s 1st tooth erupts or by his 1st birthday, whichever comes first. The main reason is that as soon as child’s 1st tooth erupts, child is at risk for decay because of the existing bacteria which the child has in his or her mouth.

Visiting a dentist at this time gives enough time to take the necessary action at the right time. It also helps us understand the child's dental needs to maintain good oral hygiene. It also instills a positive attitude towards oral health at a much younger age. These children are less likely to develop decay compared to children who have their 1^st dental visit after 3 years, as at this time all the deciduous teeth have erupted and children are very likely to have cavities.

Dental consultation from a pedodontist

• Encourage children to drink from the cup by the end of their first birthday. Discourage the use of milk bottles and sugar coated pacifiers by this time. Always avoid giving your children milk just before bed time as this can increase the risk of getting cavities.
• Start with semi solid foods at 6-9 months of age.
• In between meal snacking should be discouraged. Frequent snacking can increase the risk of tooth decay.
• Appropriate sized toothbrush should be given to kids with adequate amount of toothpaste and fluoride paste should be avoided below 3 years of age. Tele consult a dentist at DentalDost to know more about the right toothbrush and amount of toothpaste your child should be using.

Does Your Family Have a Dental Home?

If no then DentalDost has your back! Pediatric Dentist is the most important oral health care provider for your child and we at Dental dost would like to help you establish a secure Dental home, where children can be treated from day one, including all preventive measures for oral health can be taken care of. Call DentalDost free helpline number today to setup a stress-free first visit for your child, and get ahead of any oral health issues before they become a more serious concern.  

Highlights:

• Dental home is the ongoing relationship between the dentist and the patient, inclusive of all aspects of oral health
• First visit to Pediatric Denitst should be a soon as child’s 1^st teeth erupts or by his 1^st birthday, whichever comes first.
• Dental problems can cause severe early childhood caries and this can be because of bottle feeding habits, night feeding or long durations of feeding. All this happens as parents are not aware of the detrimental effects caused by them if anything is done in excess.
• Visit a dentist when you see child’s first tooth erupting.