A Pediatric Dentist Can Help Prevent Oral Decay and Disease

Pediatric Dentist Asheville, NC

A pediatric dentist is key to giving your child the best start to a healthy oral hygiene practice in life. Our teeth are with us when we are born, even though they are unseen. Everyone wants a healthy smile free of cavities and disease. Parents want to make sure they are doing as much as possible to help their children learn how to take care of their teeth so they last a lifetime. 

By taking your child to a pediatric dentist early on, you remind them the dentist is our friend. We want to make sure dental anxiety never becomes an issue. Having a child experience the dentist early on and a positive experience will give them the foundation they need for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.  

When should a child have their first dental visit?

Many parents are unsure of what age they should take their children to the dentist. Most parents set up their child’s first visit in the early toddler years. It is recommended that you take your child to the dentist by their first birthday or when the first tooth erupts from their gumline. 

This is a general rule most parents aren’t aware of. A baby could get their first tooth around 5 to 6 months. You may be unsure of how the dentist will do an exam since a baby cannot sit in the chair like most, but your dentist will help show you how to position your child for the exam properly. 

How can a dentist prevent oral decay?

When a child goes to the dentist, it is important they have a complete dental exam, dental x-rays, and find out any important family history. Your dentist wants to be sure they are aware of any concerns right from the start. 

The dentist will look for tooth decay, plaque build-up, or signs of proper or improper tooth placement under the gums. They want the teeth to come in as straight and healthy as possible. 

Your dentist will recommend filling any cavities to prevent the decay from spreading to other teeth and keep the gums healthy for future teeth. 

Once a child’s back molars come in, they will apply a dental sealant. This is quick, painless, and will prevent cavities from forming on the permanent back teeth. Children with sealants are three times more likely not to have cavities than children without dental sealants. 

The benefits of early dental visits

A pediatric dentist will also start showing your child how to properly take care of their teeth from the first visit in between dental checkups. They will teach them how to correctly floss brush and help them to see the importance of their oral health. The best way to keep your child’s dentist visits positive and healthy is to start them as young as possible and encourage them to want to brush their teeth and keep their mouths happy. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.babytoothdoc.com or call Dennis R. Campbell, DDS at (828) 417-3828 for an appointment in our Asheville office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Asheville, NC.

Recent Posts

Pediatric Dentist Near Me: What To Expect At The First Visit

When it comes to your child's dental health, the first visit to a pediatric dentist is a significant milestone. It sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy oral hygiene habits and helps alleviate any anxiety your child may have about visiting the dentist. If you're searching for a "pediatric dentist near me," it's important…

Common Visits To A Pediatric Dentist

Regular visits to a pediatric dentist who specializes in young patients are an important part of establishing good oral health practices. Many instances of severe dental conditions in children stem from either a lack of regard for proper hygiene or a lack of knowledge on the proper ways to care for a child's teeth. Check…

Tips From A Children’s Dentist To Maintain Oral Health

Trying to teach your kids about oral hygiene can be tricky, but with a little help from your local children's dentist, you can make the process much easier and have them wanting to keep their teeth healthy on their own. It all starts with knowing how to teach them about oral hygiene and how to…

6 FAQs About What To Expect From A Dental Checkup For Kids

Making sure your child undergoes a dental checkup for kids regularly is important for ensuring their continued oral health and avoiding the onset or exacerbation of dental problems. These visits allow the dentist to monitor a child's oral health, teach good oral hygiene practices, and address any problems promptly.Parents may have questions regarding their children's…

Recent Posts

Healthy Habits Start Early: Pediatric Dentistry Essentials

Healthy Habits Start Early: Pediatric Dentistry Essentials

A key goal of pediatric dentistry is establishing healthy oral hygiene habits early to promote long-term oral health. With guidance from a pediatric dentist, parents can help their children understand how to maintain clean and healthy teeth at home. This early exposure can make healthy habits — like brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and eating…

Pediatric Dentist Near Me: What To Expect At The First Visit

Pediatric Dentist Near Me: What To Expect At The First Visit

When it comes to your child's dental health, the first visit to a pediatric dentist is a significant milestone. It sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy oral hygiene habits and helps alleviate any anxiety your child may have about visiting the dentist. If you're searching for a "pediatric dentist near me," it's important…