Children with a healthy mouth have a better chance of general health. Severe decay can affect growth and development. Children with dental pain may be unable to concentrate in school. A healthy mouth is more attractive, giving children confidence in their appearance. Finally, preventive dentistry can result in less extensive and less expensive treatment for your child.
Preventive starts at home, with good eating habits and daily cleaning of the teeth. Daily cleaning of the teeth should begin as soon as the first tooth erupts. Visit pediatric dentist at the eruption of the first tooth or no later than 12 months of age to establish a dental home.
Early dental visits are the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. After a completing a thorough oral examination and assessing your child’s risk for developing cavities, your dentist will design a personalized preventive program of home care for your child. This program will include brushing and flossing instructions, diet counseling and, if necessary, fluoride recommendations. Tooth cleaning and polishing and fluoride treatments are all part of your child’s prevention program. However, there is much more. For example, dentist can apply sealants to protect your child from tooth decay, help you select a mouth guard to prevent sports injuries to the face and teeth, and provide early diagnosis and care for orthodontic problems.