The Importance of Dental Care for Children

Dental care is important at any age, but it’s especially crucial for children. Without proper dental care, children can develop cavities and other oral health problems that can impact their overall health and well-being throughout their entire life. 

In fact, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children should start seeing a dentist by their first birthday? That’s right – it is recommended that you bring your child in for their very first dental appointment within the first year of their life! 

Establishing good oral health habits and regular dental visits at an early age is the best way to prevent dental issues in the future. 

Establishing A Healthy Dental Routine:

The best way to ensure that your child is getting the dental care they need is to make it part of their daily routine. Just like brushing their teeth and taking a bath, going to the dentist should be something that they do on a regular basis.

One of the best ways to do this is to take them with you to your own appointments. This will help them get familiar with the dentist’s office and see that there’s nothing to be afraid of. You can also brush your teeth together at home and make it into a fun game.

Once they establish good dental habits, they’ll be more likely to continue them into adulthood.

The Importance of Preventative Dentistry for Children

Dental issues that many adults experience, like severe tooth decay, periodontal disease, and even missing teeth, often could have been prevented by better oral hygiene at a younger age. Small issues that are treated early do not escalate to severe issues that have a lasting effect on an individual’s oral health and wellness. By starting dental care at an early age, you can instill good oral hygiene habits and reduce the anxiety and fear many often experience when visiting the dentist.

Teaching your child how to properly brush their teeth properly and demonstrate the correct way to floss is one of the most important measures you can take to ensure your child’s oral health. It’s also important to explain to your child why oral hygiene is so important. You can tell them that it helps prevent cavities and tooth decay, and that it’s necessary for maintaining a healthy mouth. 

 Once they understand the importance of oral hygiene, they’ll be more likely to take care of their teeth on a daily basis (no one wants to talk to someone with stinky breath!).

Some preventative procedures that are popular for our younger patients include:  

• Regular Exams & Cleanings can prevent small problems from becoming big ones.
• Dental Sealants create an extra barrier of protection against cavities.
• Fluoride Treatment strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities.
• Early Orthodontics can intercept serious problems and improve the overall appearance of teeth.
• Tooth Extraction may be necessary to avoid further damage or decay.
• Gum Disease Treatment is important for maintaining healthy gums.
• Dietary Education can help children make good choices for their oral health.

By instilling good oral hygiene and using preventative procedures early in life, you can give your child the gift of last oral health and a vibrant, healthy smile. 

Scheduling Regular Dental Visits

In addition to establishing a daily dental routine, it’s also important to take your child to the dentist for regular checkups. This will allow the dentist to catch any problems early on and provide treatment if necessary.

The frequency of these appointments will depend on your child’s individual needs, but most children should see the dentist every six months.

For patients living in the Reno, Sparks, and surrounding areas, the first step to getting treatment from Silvaroli Dental is to call and schedule an initial appointment for an exam, x-rays, and cleaning. During this first meeting, our dentist will perform a comprehensive inspection of your child’s current oral health and wellness. If there are any outstanding issues discovered during the appointment, the dentist will create a plan to help your child reach optimal oral health.

How Do I Make The Dentist A Less Scary Place For My Child?

As mentioned above, take the time to explain the importance of oral health to your child and let them know that the dentist is here to help them keep their smile healthy. By taking your child to your appointments, you can show them that there is nothing to be afraid of. 

At Silvaroli Dental, we make sure to help your child feel welcome and as comfortable as possible during their appointment. Our dentist and hygienists are always gentle and friendly when working with our patients. 

Book Your Appointment!

By following these tips, you can ensure that your child is getting the dental care they need to stay healthy and avoid problems in the future. If you have any questions or concerns, call our office today. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you create a plan that’s right for your child.