Everyday brushing and flossing is important in keeping the gums and teeth healthy, but routine exams and dental cleanings are just as essential!
Children deserve a healthy smile. By scheduling dental care on routine basis, you are creating a groundwork for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Children will develop a positive attitude about oral health care as regular dental care can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, therefore, helping children avoid extensive dental procedures.
It is recommended that children should visit the dentist for a routine exam and cleaning every six months. Regular visits will identify tooth decay before they have a chance to seriously affect your child’s smile.
What does the Routine Exam Include?
- A gentle examination of your child’s teeth, gums, jaws, head and neck
- An interactive, easy to comprehend review with your child on proper tooth brushing, flossing and overall oral hygiene techniques
- A parent consultation outlining the best way to improve the child’s oral health including tips for at-home oral hygiene, diet and nutrition
- A review of any growth abnormalities due to natural growth, injuries or finger-sucking habits as well as a discussion of solutions via orthodontic treatment
- Fluoride treatment to help strengthen the teeth
- Any radiographs/x-rays if necessary
What are the Benefits of starting these exams early?
Children get used to the dentist – Your child will need a dentist for years to come, so it’s helpful to establish the routine – and get familiar with the staff and space – as soon as possible. Normalise trips to the dentist, instead of waiting until they’re associated with pain or fear.
Children learn how to brush their teeth properly— dentist will help your child learn age-appropriate lessons and strategies for keeping their teeth and gums healthy.
Poor oral habits are caught earlier – Thumb sucking, nail biting, tooth grinding, and other repetitive habits can affect the formation of the teeth and jaw, so it’s important for dentists to stay up-to-date with your children’s oral habits.
Dentists can detect early signs of tooth decay – It is important to detect and treat dental decal before the tooth becomes painful. It is much easier for children to have small cavities treated. When cavities are treated earlier the success of this treatment is greater.
Good oral health now could prevent heart disease and diabetes later – Gum disease and tooth infections can lead to infections elsewhere in the body, and tooth decay is actually linked with a higher risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Good news: if young children avoid tooth decay during childhood, they’re more likely to avoid adult tooth decay – and all the risks associated with it.