Many of the habits adults have were cultivated in childhood. As such, if children learn to take care of their teeth with regular dental checkups, they are likely to maintain this habit and enjoy healthy teeth all their lives.
With each checkup, the dentist examines the teeth for possible cavities and decay. Teeth issues like these cause pain and other medical problems that could deteriorate your little one’s quality of life. If the dentist finds any problem, he or she places your child on treatment immediately. With healthy teeth, the child can chew food, smile confidently, and speak clearly.
Another benefit is that your child becomes confident with dental visits. You may know adults who are terrified of seeing a dentist. They have an unexplained phobia and will avoid seeing the dentist at all costs. These people’s first experience with a dentist was likely unpleasant. During that visit, the discomfort they felt led them to believe that that is what dental care is like. But, you can change the narrative for your child. If the child has a pleasant experience, he or she will grow to treasure dental care.
What Happens At The Dentists?
Typically, dentists do not offer young children any treatments unless they are in pain from teeth decay and cavities. Even then, the dentist must take the least invasive treatment method.
Instead, during the visit, the dentist examines the jaws, gums, and teeth development. Through early monitoring, the dentist may identify early signs of malocclusion and correct them before they become significant.
The dentist also teaches a child how to care for his or her teeth. With the parents’ help, the dentist encourages the child to have its teeth brushed every day. The goal is to make the child have a positive attitude toward dental hygiene and dental care.
Parents also learn how best to take care of their child’s teeth. They learn how to brush and floss the child’s teeth correctly. They also learn about the kind of nutrition that supports teeth health.
All the while, the dentist examines the teeth to check for any issues that may come up. If the dentist finds anything and deems it necessary, he or she may offer some treatments. The most common treatments offered include:
Tooth Extractions
The dentist may extract a severely decayed tooth so that the area can heal well. He or she may also remove a tooth if the gum is overcrowded to make room for sprouting adult teeth.
Sealants
Sealants are used where a tooth has decayed. Sealants help to stop or reduce the damage caused, preventing further chronic issues.
Fillings
A child may need tooth fillings if he or she has a decayed tooth from having weak tooth enamel or a high sugar diet.
Fluoride Treatments
Dentists offer fluoride treatment to help protect growing teeth from enamel damage and cavities.
In conclusion, teaching your child dental hygiene practices sets them to have healthy teeth all their life. But, it also helps to complement these practices with pediatric dental visits. It would help if your child were oriented to dental care in a friendly, welcoming environment. Visit the Orange Door Dental Group in Elkhart and Warsaw, Indiana, for excellent pediatric dental care.
Learn more about the importance of childhood dental visits, contact Orange Door Dental Group in Elkhart (574) 347-4793 and Warsaw, IN (574) 406-2115.
