Preventing Tooth Decay To Maintain Healthy Teeth

Protect Those Little Teeth: 4 Reasons Why Your Baby Needs A Pediatric Dental Specialist

If your baby has recently cut their first tooth, it's time to schedule their first trip to the dentist. Many people wait until their baby has a mouth full of teeth before beginning their dental treatment. However, it's actually best for your baby's dental health if you begin their dental treatment as soon as they cut that first tooth. It's also important that you choose the right dentist for your baby's developing teeth. While general practitioner dentists are great for adults, children should have their own dentist. Here are four benefits your baby will receive from being seen by pediatric dental specialists.

Monitor Tooth Development

Babies are born with developed teeth hidden below the gum line. When baby's reach about 4 months of age, the first tooth will start to break through the gums. With early dental care, a pediatric dental specialist can monitor the continued development of those first teeth. That means they can identify orthodontic issues before your baby has a mouth full of teeth. That early monitoring can help identify treatment that your baby will require later in life.

Preventative Dental Care

You might not think that babies need preventative dental care, but that's simply not the case. The fact is that your baby will need routine preventative care to help keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Sealants

Your baby's teeth are susceptible to dental caries, even from a young age. Without sealants, your baby can develop cavities that may result in tooth decay. Unfortunately, early tooth decay can lead to premature tooth loss of the baby teeth. Your pediatric dental specialist will ensure that your baby has sealants applied to their teeth to form a protective seal against dental caries and decay.

Cleanings

Your baby's teeth may be tiny, but they still need to be properly cleaned. Semi-annual visits to their pediatric dentist will ensure that your baby's teeth stay clean and healthy.

Assistance With Bad Oral Habits

Bad oral habits can lead to serious dental problems for your baby. If your baby sucks their thumb or fingers, or has developed other bad oral habits, a pediatric dentist can help you develop a course of action that will help break those habits.

Information on Dental Injury Prevention

When your baby is learning to crawl or walk, their tiny teeth are at risk for serious injuries. One way to protect your baby's teeth is to implement an injury prevention plan in your home. If you're not sure how to do that, your baby's pediatric dental specialist can help you.


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