When should your child's first dental visit be?
The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry say that your child’s first dental visit should occur within six months after the baby’s first tooth appears, but no later than the child’s first birthday.
Have you ever wondered why it is so important to start dental checkups early?
There are many reasons. For one thing, without regular cleanings or treatment for cavities, bacteria can build upon your teeth and cause infection in other parts of the body. Poor oral hygiene habits will also lead to problems with speech development if not addressed during childhood. These are just a few examples!
Avoiding tooth decay and cavities is the number one way of preventing these types of issues from occurring in children’s development. This may mean brushing your child’s teeth twice a day, fluoride treatments, or visiting an experienced dental office for regular checkups and cleanings that will prevent any future dental concerns from arising.
It is important to note that poor oral hygiene habits can affect both adults and children alike, so keeping up with proper dental care throughout life should be prioritized by everyone!
Problems with speech development
Children that have large gaps between their teeth may experience speech impediments. If a child can not close his/her mouth properly, they may sound as though there is something in their mouth when trying to speak. Large gaps between the front teeth will also lead to an overbite or underbite if left untreated which will also lead to speech problems.
Please call Dental Care Group Kids in our Aventura or Pembroke Pines offices for their routine care or if your child is experiencing any of the following:
- A loose tooth and having difficulty chewing or biting down on food.
- Changes in their bite, such as crooked teeth.
- Severe pain when eating certain foods or drinking hot/cold liquids.
- Dark circles under the eyes.
These are just a few examples of what may be an early sign that something may not be right with their oral health.