Just because your child doesn’t have a full set of teeth yet doesn’t mean that dental care is any less important for them. Dental experts highly recommend that you bring your little one to see the dentist within six months of the first tooth coming in, with the first checkup ideally being scheduled no later than their first birthday. It may be hard to see the impact of these visits at first, but over time, the benefits of seeing a children’s dentist in Aurora will be reflected in your child’s smile and their overall quality of life.
What Happens If Your Child Doesn’t See the Dentist?
Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood illness, with more than 50 percent of children developing cavities in their baby teeth. If cavities go undetected for too long, they grow more and more severe, leading to constant pain and potentially resulting in an extraction. Over time, the decay might even spread to the other teeth.
By not seeing the dentist, you are potentially leaving unseen cavities to develop unchecked, and that typically means your child will eventually need more complex services later on. Statistically speaking, visiting the pediatric dentist in Aurora regularly can reduce the occurrence of cavities by around 18% by the time your child is three years old.
What Happens During the First Appointment?
Your little one’s first dental visit will set the stage for future dental care in a multitude of ways. Naturally, a cleaning and examination will be performed in order to prevent minor issues from turning into large ones. However, this visit is also a chance for your pediatric dentist to discuss a variety of things that you should be aware of when it comes to taking care of your child’s oral health. This includes:
- The proper method of cleaning your child’s teeth as well as healthy feeding practices.
- Oral health risks you might not have thought of, such as letting your child fall asleep with their bottle.
- Pacifier habits, finger-sucking, and other issues that might require intervention before they lead to serious orthodontic consequences.
- Teething and other oral developments you need to be aware of.
What are the Benefits of an Early Appointment?
Beginning dental care early in life means fewer dental issues later in life. That means spending less money on dental care and not having to pull your child out of school any more than necessary. It can also dramatically reduce the risk of a dental emergency occurring. In short, early intervention makes it easier for your child to maintain a healthy smile over the long term.
Is your child around the right age for their first dental appointment? Don’t put it off any longer than you need to; call your family dentist today and let your child take their first step towards healthier teeth.
About the Practice
Dr. Shuran Liang is Grand Dental – Aurora’s talented pediatric dentist who loves watching young smiles grow over the years. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and he has been board-certified as a pediatric dentist by the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. To set up an appointment for your one-year-old, visit [EV1] [m2] our website or call (630) 538-8302.