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Many parents may not know that their one-year-old is ready for their first dental check-up. It is more and more important that children visit the dentist as early as possible. The sooner the child visits the dentist, the sooner problems can be identified and proper oral health can be established. A common misinterpretation of parents is that they are just baby teeth and they are not important. This is not true and dentists urge parents to bring their children in for check-ups as often as adults, if not more. It is vital to establish a good oral health routine, beginning with a visit to your dentist in Maple Grove. Good Oral Health Begins at Home Parents are a child's first teacher in life and play a significant role in maintaining their oral and overall health. With all of the firsts and the challenges a new parent faces, many may not realize the link between their child's oral health and overall health. An understanding of oral hygiene, beginning at home, can help parents to prevent tooth decay, which is the single most common chronic childhood disease in America. Teaching your child proper brushing and flossing will establish good oral health, in addition to visiting the dentist. The First Visit to the Dentist With a baby, everything is a first. To ensure your baby gets a lifetime of smiles, the Academy of General Dentistry recommends that your child's first trip to the dentist occurs six months after her or her first tooth erupts. At the first visit to the dentist your dentist may do the following:
• A gentle examination of the jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues
• A gentle cleaning, including polishing the teeth and removing any plaque, tartar build-up and stains
• Proper home cleaning demonstration
• An assessment will be made of the need for fluoride
It is ideal to visit the dentist at this time because it allows the dentist to examine the development of a child's mouth. The sooner you visit, the sooner any problems can be identified such as baby bottle tooth decay or teething irritations. Pediatric dentists specialize in providing oral health care treatment for children, but many will be treated by a general dentist who provides care to all ages. The general dentist will have already created a relationship with the entire family, allowing the child to visit the dentist for the first time with ease. Maintain Proper Nutrition and a Healthy Diet National studies have shown that only one in every five school-age children eats the recommended five daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Not maintaining proper nutrition and a healthy diet greatly increases a child's risk of cavities. Additionally, the same amounts of children meet even the minimum standards for calcium consumption. Take charge of your child's oral health and overall health by packing healthy lunches and visiting your local dentist. Children are at a susceptible age in which everything you do to prevent oral health problems will benefit them in the long run. Start their life out right with a visit to your local Maple Grove dentist.
Sean Hartmen writes for Drs. Francis and Mazhary of Grove Health Dental, dentists in Maple Grove. Offering the highest level of dental care for patients of every age, this Maple Grove dentist offers services in most phases of dentistry including, family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, sedation, implants and Invisalign in Maple Grove.
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