3 Ways to Know When to Take Your Child to a Dentist for the First Time
Posted on: 2 November 2020
A lot of people generally understand the fact that they should take great care of their teeth right from the moment they appear. However, dental hygiene in children is still an ambiguous concept to a lot of people. A lot of parents teach their children how to brush, but rarely follow up on flossing or enforcing rules to discourage eating sugar and other foods that damage the teeth. As a result, a lot of kids still end up with dental health complications.
To make matters worse, very few kids see a dentist as early as they should, and by the time they are making their first visit, their teeth have suffered significant damage. Here are three guidelines that can help you figure out the best time to take your child to a dentist.
When They Have Problems Teething
Teething is never easy for toddlers. It is always accompanied by fever, irritability, swollen gums, itchy gums and general malaise. However, if your child has been showing signs of teething for a long time, and the teeth aren't appearing, you should schedule a visit with the dentist. Sometimes, the teeth become ingrown inside the gum. This can cause a lot of pain and discomfort and also swelling of the gums.
A children's dentist will be in a position to tell whether the signs of teething are healthy, or you have a genetic issue in your hands. They will also recommend the best course of treatment.
When Thumb-sucking Creates Complications
The other common problem with little children is thumb sucking and the effect that it can have on their bite. If the child has their thumb in their mouth often, and especially when their teeth are developing, it will be very easy for their teeth to become deformed. Common deformities include under-bites and overbites.
The children's dentist will know how to help your child stop thumb sucking. They will start the right orthodontic processes to straighten out the crooked teeth.
When They Have Tooth Ache
Children are more likely to develop cavities than grown-ups because of their love for candy and sugary foods. Cavities are an infection of the pulp cavity, and they can be very painful. It is best to see a children's dentist and have a root canal or extraction as early as possible.
The most important thing is to find a dentist that your children can trust. This will help them create a positive and lifelong relationship with their dental and oral health. It will also minimise the number of dental emergencies you deal with in a year.
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