Taking your child to see the dentist regularly remains one of the best ways to promote oral health. The initial visit should occur after their first birthday or when their first tooth comes in. Once they are between the ages of 5 and 6, schedule biannual visits. Below are reasons to make dental visits a routine activity for your child. 

Why Does My Child Need to See the Dentist Regularly? 

1. Ensures Healthy Teeth & Jaw Development 

The dental professional examines the child’s teeth and jaw to ensure both are developing properly. They look for evidence of issues that can cause tooth alignment, jaw shape, and bite problems, such as excessive thumbsucking that puts pressure on the jawbone, teeth, and roof of the mouth. The dentist also checks for healthy baby teeth eruption since they provide the groundwork for permanent teeth to grow correctly.  

2. Helps Prevent Tooth Decay

Regular dental visits help protect your child from tooth decay through fluoride treatments or dental sealants. Fluoride helps fortify tooth minerals against bacteria and plaque, while sealants create barriers between teeth and decay agents. 

Tooth decay risk factors in children include poor oral hygiene, a diet high in starches and sugars, low fluoride levels in the water supply, and germs transmitted from parent to child through shared utensils. 

3. Provides Home Care Tips 

Your dental professional offers home care tips in light of your child’s oral health needs, such as recommending tooth brushing songs that make dental care fun. The dentist also offers nutrient and water guidelines for promoting tooth health and answers any questions you have to help your little one maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. 

4. Promotes the Importance of Oral Health

With regular dental practice visits, your child will learn why taking care of their teeth and gums is essential from a compassionate professional. They will not grow up fearing the dentist’s chair. By getting your child used to dental office trips at a young age, you are creating a healthy habit they will carry into adulthood. 

Schedule pediatric dentistry services with Philmont Family Dentistry to reap these benefits. The dental practice in Philmont, NY, offers services for patients of all ages, including emergency dentistry, teeth whitening, oral exams, and root canals. Call (518) 672-4077 today to make an appointment at this welcoming office, or visit the dentist online for more information.