4 Signs it's Time to Take Your Kids to the Dentist
While it's understandable that your child might be afraid of the dentist at first, it's crucial to bring them in for regular checkups. Whether your child has primary teeth or permanent ones, visits to the family dentistry office at an early age can impact their future oral health. Here are four signs that you need to take your child to the dentist.
1. The First Tooth Has Sprouted
Are you waiting for your child to sprout all their primary teeth before bringing them to a dentist? You don't need to! According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, parents should bring in their little ones once the first tooth starts growing in.
2. Crowded Teeth
As a parent, you should check your child's mouth regularly. Does it appear that teeth are beginning to crowd together and overlap? If so, your family dentistry professional can refer you to an orthodontist. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children can begin seeing an orthodontist as early as seven years old.
3. Complaints of Toothaches
Is your child complaining about toothaches? They may have a broken tooth or have new teeth sprouting in. A cavity may also be the culprit. It's no secret that children love their sugary snacks and treats. Unfortunately, sugar can cause a lot of decay. If your child is complaining of toothaches and is past the teething phase, they may already have a cavity. When you go to your local family dentist, they can treat the cavity and then apply a sealant to your child's teeth to protect their teeth from further decay.
4. Obvious Signs of Decay
Brushing and flossing twice daily is essential for healthy teeth, but as many as 32% of Americans never floss, according to Medium. Unfortunately, not flossing can lead to problems such as tooth decay, even in children. Obvious signs of decay may include brown and other dark spots on the teeth and general discoloration. If your child drank sugary formula as a baby, it can cause the teeth to prematurely decay.
Dental problems aren't fun at any age. That's why it's important to help your children develop healthy oral hygiene habits that begin with regular family dentistry visits. The American Dental Association advises that everyone visit their local dentist at least twice a year. If you want to ensure that your child has healthy and strong teeth, turn to our team at Willow Cove Dental today. We look forward to seeing you at your first appointment with us!
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