The dental health of a child is crucial to their overall health and well-being. Hence, parents should ensure that their children visit a dentist regularly for optimum oral health. Unfortunately, most children do not go to a dentist until they are older than two years old, which is beyond the recommended age. In fact, most parents have no idea about when their child should first visit Splendid Dental Bellaire. At our pediatric dentist’s office, we can provide the answers. Call us today at 713-244-7797 to learn more.
When Should a Child Go to the Dentist?
Most dentists recommend that a child visits the dentist when they are one year old. At this age, most children will have developed their central upper and lower incisors. It is crucial to ensure that the child continues visiting a dentist every six months until they lose their primary teeth. This step will help maintain the teeth, which aid in speech development and chewing. Moreover, visiting the dentist when a child is young will help parents learn how to clean their kids’ teeth.
Signs That Indicate a Child Needs Urgent Dental Care
Most young children may fail to brush and floss their teeth adequately or effectively. Therefore, parents should supervise their children when they brush their teeth to ensure they do it correctly. Some situations, such as breaking a tooth, may also necessitate a child to go to a dentist before the recommended six months period elapses. Hence, a parent should check their child’s mouth regularly to identify if they require medical attention.
The presence of mouth and tooth pain indicates that a person could be having an oral problem. Moreover, white spots on the teeth that may also appear chalky are common signs of a dental cavity. Some children may also complain that their gums hurt when they brush or floss. On the other hand, the gums may not hurt, but they can appear red and swollen. Any pain and sensitivity of the gums signify that a child may have an oral health problem such as gingivitis. Some children may also experience pain whenever they take hot or cold drinks and food. The teeth may also appear loose, which is normal when the primary teeth are about to fall out. However, one should make an appointment with a dentist if their child’s permanent tooth becomes wiggly.
How to Help a Child Stay Calm During an Oral Appointment at Splendid Dental Bellaire
Visiting a dentist for the first time may be a scary experience for a young child. So, when should a child go to the dentist? A parent should take adequate time and measures to prepare the child for the appointment. For example, one can show them videos of other children undergoing an oral examination. They can also play-act a dentist’s appointment and may want to develop a reward system to ensure the child’s willingness to attend appointments.
One should also come up with creative ways to ensure the kid stays calm during the examination. For instance, a parent can take their child with them during a dentist appointment. This exposure will help give the child an idea of what goes on during an oral checkup. Some of the most common dental procedures children undergo are:
Taking your child to the dentist will help identify the presence of oral health issues and obtain treatment. At Splendid Dental Bellaire, we provide specialized dental services. Our pediatric dentists can cater to your child’s oral health needs and develop proper dental health habits. Moreover, we educate parents on dental hygiene measures their children should observe. Contact Splendid Dental Bellaire today at 713-244-7797 to schedule a dental appointment for your child.