Getting your child’s mouth looked at – even before they have a full set of teeth – is an important part of ensuring good oral care throughout the rest of their lives. Many dentists recommend scheduling a visit around age one when the first teeth start to appear. Obviously, the dentist won’t be doing a full cleaning; rather, this is a chance for your child to get used to being comfortable in a dentist’s chair and it helps you as the parent stay educated about the care of your child’s teeth.
The dentist will start off examining your child’s mouth and teeth (the ones that have already sprouted), then will speak to you the parents about what they found. This is a great time for education on the part of parents, who will learn not to allow their child to fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice, and to avoid sugary drinks and gummy snacks during the day. You will also be encouraged about avoiding things like snacking and drinking in the middle of the night which can lead to an increased risk of cavities. Knowing how to curb these cravings in your small child will help start them on a lifetime of good oral habits.
Once your child hits age four or so, this is when their first set of dental x-rays should be taken to check for cavities.
Between the ages of six and 12, the focus is on prevention because the baby teeth are falling out and permanent teeth are coming in. These teeth have to be preserved because these are the only ones your children will get in their lifetime. Your dentist may suggest a sealant, which is a plastic resin that bonds to a tooth’s chewing surface, between ages seven and nine, says WebMD. The teeth at the back of the mouth, i.e., molars, are the most at risk for cavities due to their deep crevices, which is why sealants are often necessary. It’s too easy for sugar to get stuck in there and develop into cavities.
At age seven, many dentists recommend getting an orthodontic evaluation. It’s no longer feasible to wait until kids are 12 to worry about the need for braces. Although your child won’t likely get braces until the pre-teen or early teen years, it’s important to start evaluations at a younger age to develop a plan about modifying jaw growth to ensure a perfect smile later.
The biggest importance of getting to the dentist at an early age is learning how to incorporate good oral care into everyday activities. Brushing, flossing, cutting out high-sugar foods and drinks when possible, and scheduling six-month visits like clockwork: these all lead to positive oral hygiene habits that stay with children their entire lives. Start too late and you’re reinventing the wheel.
Get early treatment for your kids. Call Drs. Savage, Sabol and Visser at 757-428-1110 to schedule a free initial orthodontic examination.
