As soon as your little one's first tooth has appeared, take them to visit the dentist. According to our team, this should happen within six months of this exciting event. Regular visits from a young age help children become accustomed to the dentist office, personnel, and equipment. Thus, when they're older, they don't fear the dentist, making your life much easier. Keep reading to learn more about why this is so important.

Receive Early Intervention

The early intervention of issues relating to the teeth and jaws can prevent future complications. Although baby teeth eventually fall out, healthy baby teeth pave the way for healthy adult teeth. If baby teeth fall out early because of tooth decay, neighboring teeth shift, and this can affect the permanent teeth which are yet to emerge.

Prevent Tooth Decay

The CDC reports that by the age of eight, more than half of children (52%) have had a cavity in their baby teeth. By taking children regularly to the dentist, cavities and tooth decay can be prevented. If a child and parent know the importance of brushing from a young age, good oral hygiene is maintained, cutting down the risk of cavities forming.

Get Oral Hygiene Education

If a child is taught how to brush and floss their teeth from a young age they will develop strong, healthy teeth. During their initial visits, parents are advised on which foods to give their children to promote healthy teeth and which ones to steer clear of. Maintaining good oral hygiene reduces the chances of stinky breath, cavities, and gum disease.

Detect Orthodontic Issues

As the child's jaws and teeth grow, orthodontic issues can crop up. Crowding, crooked teeth, malocclusion, and spacing between teeth need to be addressed. If your dentist detects these, they'll refer you to an orthodontist for further treatment. If treatment is done in good time, it can prevent future complications.

Overcome Negative Habits

Nail biting and thumb sucking are prevalent in children. The dentist can continuously monitor how these habits are impacting their teeth. The dentist will advise on approaches that you can take to overcome these habits if they suspect they might become an issue.

Frequent dental appointments help promote excellent oral hygiene habits, and the dentist will detect and recognize dental issues and closely monitor the growth and development of the teeth and jaws. Establishing a positive relationship with the dentist and the dentist office staff goes a long way in making your child feel at ease if any treatment is required. Contact our team at Great Blue Dental to schedule an appointment today!