The Canadian Dental Association recommends that your child see the dentist every six months. Your child is growing and changing quickly, and the same goes for their teeth. Regular dental checkups allow the family dentist to make sure their pearly whites are in tip-top shape.
Here are the top reasons your child should visit the dentist twice per year:
- Find small cavities before they get too big – Catching cavities early in baby teeth is critical. When they are small, they are easier and quicker to treat. This is very important for the child, as we want them to have positive experiences only at the dentist. For the parent, this means less time at the dental office, and less dental costs. Untreated cavities can grow and spread quickly to other teeth. Within a few months, a cavity can become a painful tooth infection. This requires a large dental filling, removing part of the dental nerve or tooth extraction. Ouch!
- Keep the mouth clean with regular dental cleanings – Once your child is about two years of age, the dental check-ups will include a cleaning. The dentist will remove plaque and tartar build-up, and polish the teeth of stain. Ensuring the teeth are smooth prevents cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to the teeth. Plus, children learn to love the feeling of clean teeth. They are proud when they leave the office with clean, bright teeth.
- Ensure healthy tooth development – Baby teeth act as placeholders for the adult teeth, helping them to grow in straight. If baby teeth fall out too early, teeth drift forward causing permanent teeth to come in crooked. At each checkup, the dentist will monitor the development of teeth. If teeth need help coming in straight, then orthodontic appliances may be recommended.
- Prevention is the best medicine – “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Regular dental checkups aren’t just for fixing problems. Our goal is to prevent problems before they have a chance to start. We want our kids to have fun at the dentist and learn to love their smiles. Soon, they will look forward to their next visit with us.
- Teach your kids how to care for their teeth – When kids visit their dentist, they are educated on the importance of healthy mouths. At first, a dental office may seem like an uncomfortable place to a small child. However, with regular checkups, kids will quickly get used to the idea of visiting the dentist. Dentists can be wonderful teachers, showing your child good brushing and flossing techniques. Getting a lesson on oral health from a friendly dentist can go a long way in helping your kids be better about brushing at home.
So don’t wait until a painful toothache appears to bring your child to the dentist. Make an appointment now and get your child on the road to healthy teeth for life!
I am accepting new patients to my family dental practice. Please contact us for more information and availability. Thank you for reading!
Dr. Melissa Skinner
