Physiologically, children and adults have essentially the same teeth (though children start with primary teeth before their adult teeth arrive). However, what children need from their dentist can be different from the needs of adults. One major advantage of bringing your children to see the dentist at a young age is that your dentist can instruct them on how to take care of their teeth. Children’s dentistry also works to protect your child from needing serious restorative care – a routine dental checkup for your child can enable you dentist to identify trouble before it becomes serious.
Learning The Value Of Good Oral Care
Your dentist can be more than just a health care provider – they can teach your child the hows and whys of good oral care. With these instructions, your child will have an easier time taking care of their teeth, which means a lower cavity risk.
Helping Your Child Avoid Serious Dental Problems
While they may not be permanent, primary teeth (also called baby teeth) are not immune to cavities. Decay can cause problems for your child’s overall health, especially if it leads to bacteria spreading through their tooth root. Because children are still figuring out proper teeth cleaning, your dentist can provide extra protection in the form of dental sealants and fluoride. Fluoride treatments help keep enamel healthy, so that they are less likely to have cavities form. Dental sealants cover teeth – usually the back teeth used for chewing – so that there is less risk of food debris and bacteria accumulating on their teeth. Even if a cavity forms on one of your child’s teeth, regular appointments can give your dentist the opportunity to spot the trouble and restore their tooth before it grows to be serious.
