How Often To See The Dentist As A Toddler

Most people don’t realize that care for our teeth starts at a very young age. In fact, teeth brushing must start as soon as the first tooth appears in our mouths. The first tooth usually appears around 6 months of age, and the oral hygiene regimen must start at that age. Another often overlooked aspect is the importance of dental visits. Not only the first dental visit, but how many visits are required at that tender age. Here, we attempt to explain how often to see the dentist as a toddler to try and maintain your child’s oral health and teeth strength and integrity.

Why should oral hygiene start at such an early age?

Most diseases of the mouth are a result of bacteria that are already present in the mouth. We are born with these bacteria, and they continue to inhabit our mouths all our lives. When we introduce food or drink, the bacteria finds a source of food, and starts producing acids and toxins that are the precursors for all problems of the mouth. This happens at any age, even as young as 6 month, and so oral hygiene must start as early as possible.

What would happen if I fail to clean my child’s teeth?

Children’s teeth are a lot different from adult teeth. They are smaller, more widely spaced, and with less minerals compared to adult teeth. That all means they are weaker, and more liable to decay. Failing to brush your child’s teeth as early as possible would put him\her at a greater risk of decay, gum disease and a whole lot of problems. In fact, there is a distinct type of decay that happens to children at such a young age. In such unfortunate case (known as early childhood decay) , all your child’s teeth will be decayed or broken, and it takes an extensive amount of effort to fix them.

How can I prevent that from happening?

While children’s teeth are weaker, they are easier to clean. Maintaining a strict oral hygiene regimen – done by yourself as a parent until your child can hold the brush on their own – of brushing at least once daily, and some experts even recommend flossing for children once or twice a week will definitely reduce the chances of decay and other problems of the mouth. Another aspect to consider is frequent visits to the dentist. A dental visit at such a young age can be detrimental to your child’s oral health.

How often to see the dentist as a toddler?

Your child will probably star teeth at 6 months, and will continue that process until about 2 years. During which time, a visit to the dentist every 6 months is highly recommended. Although most probably no dental work will be done, that visit at least serves as not only a reminder to the child of the importance of the dentist and how big a role he\she will play throughout their lives, but to make sure that no disease or problems occur during that time. Even if a problem occurs, they can mostly be treated quickly and painlessly.

Tags: , , ,