The importance of regular pediatric dental checkups should not be underestimated, as oral health can significantly influence the health of the whole body and the proper development of a child. In this article, we discuss some of the procedures pediatric dentistry can offer and their benefits.
The Importance of Regular Pediatric Dental Checkups
Regular dental checkups are a part of proper health care for a child. Dental care is crucial, regardless of whether your child has a baby or permanent teeth. Here are several reasons for having an appointment with a pediatric dentist every six months:
Cavities and Tooth Loss Can Lead to Malnutrition
A toothache caused by cavities or severe tooth decay can lead to a child refusing to eat certain foods that need a lot of chewing, such as meat, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Also, the absence of teeth makes it more challenging to chew food properly. Both these factors can lead to the child not getting enough protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins and cause malnutrition.
Poor Dental Health Can Cause Pain and Chronic Stress
Dental health issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease, cause constant pain and discomfort, which lead to chronic stress. As a result, the child can become moody, unwilling to socialize, and have behavior and learning issues. Also, chronic stress can have a negative effect on a child’s general health.
Toothache and Tooth Loss Can Cause Speech Issues
Having a complete set of healthy baby teeth is essential for a child to develop proper pronunciation skills. Constant toothache or lack of teeth can lead to a lisp or other pronunciation issues.
Gum Disease as a Result of Poor Oral Health
Gum disease is an infection in the soft tissue of the gums that, if left untreated, can:
- weaken the support for the teeth
- destroy the jawbone structure
- lead to problems with dental health in adulthood.
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease Can Lead to General Health Issues
Constant bacterial growth and infections in the mouth can negatively affect other organs in the body, such as the gastrointestinal system. In addition, gum disease is associated with issues in the heart, lungs, joints, and other organs.
Untimely Baby Tooth Loss Can Lead to Orthodontic Issues
Tooth decay causes precocious baby tooth loss, which negatively affects jaw development and can cause orthodontic issues with permanent teeth in the future, such as misaligned bites and overcrowdedness.
The Frequency of Pediatric Dentist Visits?
All the issues we listed above can be avoided by seeing a pediatric dentist every six months. Pediatric dental checkups typically include a physical exam, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatment, and an x-ray, if required. During the exam, the doctor will be able to spot any potential issues with your child’s dental health and offer an appropriate course of treatment. On top of that, regular cleanings and fluoride treatments will help prevent dental health problems in the first place.
Childhood is a period of constant development, and changes might occur unexpectedly. Thus, regularly checking for changes will help to ensure good oral and general health of your kid. Your pediatric dentist will also teach the child proper oral hygiene habits and monitor the effectiveness of an existing at-home hygiene routine.
The Right Age for the First Dental Visit
In most cases, pediatric dental visits should start by 12 years of age or within six months after the appearance of the first tooth. Early dental visits will help ensure that the development of the child’s jaw and teeth is going correctly, predict potential orthodontic issues, and plan future treatments accordingly.
The Importance of a Pediatric Dental Cleaning and Fluoride Treatment
Professional dental cleanings and fluoride treatments are preventative measures that help avoid cavities, plaque buildup, bacterial growth in the mouth, and gum disease. Regular cleanings and fluoride treatments can also help avoid expensive and complicated treatments in the future.
Even if your child’s at-home hygiene routine is excellent, some food debris and bacteria can still accumulate in hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. Once plaque hardens, it turns to tartar—a sticky, acidic substance filled with bacteria. Plaque and tartar buildup are dangerous because they are the leading causes of tooth decay and gum disease. During a professional dental cleaning, your dentist will use special tools to effectively remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria.
Professional fluoride treatments can also benefit your child’s oral health. They can remineralize and strengthen teeth’s enamel, making them more resilient to bacteria and decay.
Make an Appointment Today
Do not hesitate to sign your child up for an appointment with a pediatric dentist in Chino Hills today. Dental Care of Chino Hills offers a wide range of oral care services to ensure your child’s health. Our specialists are looking forward to your visit.