When should my child start seeing a dentist?

Kids can be notorious when it comes to taking care of their teeth. To the point where it almost impossible to get some of them to brush even once a day let alone twice. Most children don’t see their family dentist until they are well over 2 years old, far later than is recommended by both dental and medical professionals.  Here are a few things you ought to know about taking care of your child’s teeth the best. 

Importance of primary teeth

Among children who have never visited the dentist or who have not seen a dentist in the last 12 months, the most frequently mentioned reason by their parents was that “the child is too young”. Sometimes parents fail to understand the importance of losing child teeth naturally. 

It is very important to keep a child’s teeth in place until they are lost naturally. The primary teeth are important for many reasons including:

• Proper and efficient chewing..
• Good speech development.
• Helping save space for permanent teeth.
• Promoting a healthy smile that helps children feel good about the way they look. 

How to care for child teeth

Child teeth can be far more sensitive than their adult counterparts Make sure your child brushes at least 2 times a day (morning and night) with fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities. If your child is very young consider brushing their teeth yourself. But at the same time ensure that your child learns how to brush their teeth on their own in the best way possible. Especially in the morning when children can be particularly moody.

Watch your child’s diet. 

What your child eats and drinks can hurt their baby teeth. Some drinks, including fruit juice and soda can be high in sugar or acid. Limit sugary treats like cookies, too. Sugar and acid can make the outer shell (enamel) of the teeth weak and put teeth at a higher risk for cavities.

When should you take your child to the dentist

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child go to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts. Primary teeth typically begin growing in around 6 months of age.

If you begin taking your children to the dentist around the time the first tooth erupts, then they are probably too young to be nervous. But if you’ve waited until your child is older (for example, 2 years), then he or she may have some anxiety at the time of the first visit.

Choosing the right dentist for your child

Child teeth can be very delicate, so choosing a dentist who understands your child and their dental health is important. So if you’re looking for the ideal dentist in Goa for your  child’s teeth. Then look no further. SmileCraft Goa is home to some of the most professional and gentle dentists in the city. Our child teeth experts will guide you and your child to the best dental care. 

Need the best child dentist in Margao? You’ve come to the right place. Give us a call and we’ll have you sorted.