When you are a new parent, it is important to pay attention to all the health advice you can and make sure that your kids’ health is being tracked properly. Years ago it was very common to put off bringing kids to the dentist until they were older and already had a majority of their baby teeth. This had a few very obvious drawbacks. First and foremost, children’s teeth are extremely vulnerable to decay and kids would often already have multiple cavities when they went to the dentist. Because of that, dentists around the country recommend that kids see a pediatric dentist when they are 6 months old or when their first tooth erupts based on what happens first. In this article, we will cover some more reasons why kids should see a dentist at a young age.
What Is A Pediatric Dentist & Does My Child Need One?
A family dentist and a pediatric dentist are different. Family dentists frequently work with kids, teens, and sometimes adults. Pediatric dentists specifically specialize in treating both kids and young babies. Not all dentists are equipped to treat children who are under a year old so it is important to mention your child’s age when making a dental appointment. If you are bringing in your six-month-old for their first dental appointment, make sure to go to a dentist who works with children at that age. It is always recommended to check with dental offices regarding what ages they are comfortable working with. For example, your own dentist might not even work with kids or teens.
Why Should Children See A Dentist At 6 Months Old?
- Prevent/Treat Dental Decay: As we mentioned above, children’s teeth are often especially vulnerable to dental decay. When parents brought kids to the dentist after they were older it was common to find issues that could have been treated earlier or even prevented.
- Tracking Dental Health: Another reason to see a dentist early is to make sure that y our children’s oral health is developing correctly. Around six months your child should be teething and should be showing their first teeth, it is important to make sure the teeth are coming in healthy.
- Demonstrating Care & Answering Questions: For a few years you will be handling all of your child’s at-home dental care until they are old enough to handle a toothbrush and floss themselves. A pediatric dentist can provide recommendations on toothbrushes and toothpaste that are safe for young children and demonstrate how to use them.
Make a Dental Appointment in Chicago
A great way to make sure your children’s teeth are healthy and get helpful tips on how to care for your children’s oral health is to make sure you see a dentist routinely. For more information about family dentistry in Chicago please visit our website.