The mouth is one of the most important parts of our body. It’s the gateway to our digestive system, and it helps us speak, eat, and taste. But what many people don’t know is that a healthy mouth has an enormous impact on overall health, including cardiovascular health, since gum disease has been linked to heart disease. And without regular preventive care at the dentist’s office like cleanings and fluoride treatments, these problems can arise quickly. Here are just a few reasons why your child should visit the dental office regularly.
1. Prevention
When your child visits the dental office for regular preventive care, it helps us stay ahead of any potential oral health problems before they become an issue. This could save you money in the long run by catching issues that are easier to treat when they’re small instead of waiting until there’s a bigger problem.
2. Early Detection
Regular preventive care is important because it helps us find problems early on when they’re easier to treat. Does your child grind their teeth in their sleep? Do they clench and/or grind their teeth throughout the day? This can damage tooth enamel and progress into a gum disease known as periodontitis if it goes untreated for too long. Plus, regular fluoride treatments prevent tooth decay (caries), one of the most commonly diagnosed problems in children by pediatric dentists.
3. Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, isn’t just a problem that adults have to deal with. Sometimes, children can experience bad breath as well! It’s usually caused by bacteria in the mouth and is often the result of other issues like tooth decay or gum disease. Regular preventive care helps us stay on top of these problems before they become too bad.
4. Dental Cavities (Caries)
Did you know that dental cavities are the most common chronic disease in children? Because cavities don’t always have symptoms before they progress into problems, regular preventive care is critical to prevent them from forming or becoming worse. Many times it’s the only way to treat them.
5. Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup around the gum line and in between teeth, which causes irritation. This can lead to swollen gums, bleeding during brushing or flossing, and bad breath. If it’s not treated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other health issues. It’s important for your child to visit the dentist’s office regularly so they can stay on top of this problem before it gets worse and turns into something harder to treat.
Time To Visit a Dental Office
According to the ADA, kids should see a dentist for the first time by their first birthday. For children, it’s important to see a pediatric dentist because they are trained to treat the ever-changing mouths of small children. They can help your child develop healthy dental habits that will last them a lifetime and give you tips on keeping their mouth as healthy as possible.