As a child grows and develops, pediatric dentistry is an important area to address, along with routine health care. In fact, oral health should be a priority within the first few months of life. Understanding a child's dental milestones can help parents instill good habits in children while preparing for a healthier future.
There are several phases and transitions in the life of a child that may warrant specific steps towards treatment or preventative care. Each milestone should be taken seriously and discussed with a dentist for the proper approach.
Perhaps one of the most exciting and challenging signs of growth in a young baby is the eruption of the first teeth. While some parents may not see the need for a dental checkup until later in life, the American Dental Association recommends that children be seen by a dentist as soon as this occurs. Most standard dental insurance plans cover regular checkups for children of every age. These early appointments are important for developing positive experiences and routines while enabling early detection of many potential issues.
Transitioning a child from the bottle has more benefits than growth and nutritional development. Allowing children to use bottles for too long can lead to tooth decay. This is especially true when children linger and chew on the fixtures for comfort or entertainment. Dentists can check a child's teeth for signs of decay from extended bottle use. It is often recommended that children start to transition to a cup as soon as solid foods are introduced.
Kids are highly prone to cavities due to diets higher in sugar and a limited ability to thoroughly clean teeth. Therefore, children must be taught proper brushing and flossing techniques while making a habit of routine care. Parents should establish daily rituals for hygiene and oral care to build healthy practices. In addition, it may be wise to consider dental sealants, a simple and painless pediatric dentistry procedure that, according to the CDC, has been shown to reduce cavities in children by up to 80%.
With the arrival of permanent teeth, many children may develop issues with alignment. Beyond aesthetic preferences, crooked teeth can be harmful to oral health, affecting digestion, bite patterns and joint function. Braces or aligner trays may be necessary to correct these issues. In many situations, dentists can detect potential problems with the formation of the palate long before permanent teeth arrive, leading to preventative measures for a more successful approach.
Later in the teenage years and even into adulthood, wisdom teeth may surface and cause pain and crowding in the mouth. However, some patients experience no adverse side effects. A dentist will monitor a child's situation with regular exams and X-rays to determine if extraction is necessary to prevent poor alignment, infection or other complications.
Many of the major milestones and developments in a child's life are also connected to pediatric dentistry. Maintaining regular checkups with a dentist can help parents address each phase with success for improved oral health.
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