Lehi Pediatric Dentistry
Most parents believe that setting up dental appointments for their children is worthwhile. But, many still fail to set up an appointment for a variety of reasons. Some believe their child is too young, while others think as long as their child’s teeth are healthy, there’s no real reason to go to a dentist.
Unfortunately, that mindset could cause problems for your children later on.
Early dental visits can make a big difference in your child’s overall oral health and can help to develop healthier habits as your child grows.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should first see a dentist either by age one, or whenever their first tooth erupts.
At Dry Creek Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that you might not be sure if now is the right time to bring your child in for a dental visit. But, you don’t have to wait for oral problems to occur. Let’s go over why it’s so important to introduce your children to regular dental health checkups as early as possible.
Preventing Decay
One of the biggest benefits of bringing your child to a dentist early on is that it can help to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Even at a first visit, as young as age one, a dentist can give parents some insight into healthy oral practices, including:
- Not letting your baby fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice, as the sugars can rot the teeth if they’re not brushed before bed.
- The importance of drinking liquids from a sippy cup instead of a bottle by age one.
- How to safely and effectively brush your child’s teeth.
More than 40% of children have some form of tooth decay before they start kindergarten. In about 60% of those cases, the decay is preventable.
Starting Good Oral Habits
Bringing your child to the dentist at a young age can also help them be more comfortable with regular, preventative appointments. There are plenty of stereotypes about children being afraid of the dentist, but that’s usually because they’ve waited too long to go and now it’s an unknown, unfamiliar experience.
Bringing your child for regular appointments early on, even if they are nothing more than “wellness checks” can help your child to stay calm and comfortable at the dentist. They’ll also learn about healthy oral habits and how to take care of their teeth from a young age, which is a great way to help them prevent decay and take proper care of their mouth for the rest of their lives.
At Dry Creek Pediatric Dentistry, our top priority is making sure all of our patients are comfortable and happy throughout any procedure. We serve the Lehi, Utah area with pediatric dental services that focus on care, compassion, and a dedication to oral health for the next generation.
If you’d like to know more about Dry Creek Pediatric Dentistry, or when you should set up an appointment for your child (no matter their age!), feel free to contact us today for more information or to schedule a wellness visit or exam. We pride ourselves on being the best in Lehi pediatric dentistry.