Caring for your children’s teeth can help to instill healthy habits from a young age. Having a dental partner to aide and educate alongside parents when your children’s teeth are still developing is key. Here, we’ll look at how pediatric dentistry benefits families in Bethesda, and include some tips on how to help your kid’s oral health for the long-run.
When children are only going to lose their baby teeth, it can be easy to assume that children’s dental care isn’t as important as adult dental care. However, the reality is that dentists often catch problems in their infancy, which can make it easier to stave off much bigger (and more costly) procedures down the road. For example, your child’s baby teeth set the stage for their permanent teeth. The more you preserve them, whether through brushing, routine cleanings, or cavity filling, the more likely their permanent teeth will come in without a hitch.
A pediatric dentist will essentially monitor your child’s dental development, starting either within a few months of their first tooth coming in or at their first birthday (whichever comes first). Exams will be short during infancy, as the dentist will largely assess the basics of their teeth, jaw, and gums.
As your child grows, a dentist can tell you more about anything from tooth decay to abnormal growth patterns. These tips can give you the chance to intervene on your child’s behalf. So, if your child’s thumb-sucking habit is affecting their oral development, you can work with your child to stop the habit before it throws off their alignment.
Bethesda family dentistry can also help kids avoid cavities without any effort on their part. For example, sealing can bond their back molars, making them impervious to cavities or decay.
Children have very specific dental needs, so it’s important to work with an expert in pediatric care. Plus, when you take them to a practice that specializes in children, it’s more likely your child will have a better experience. Dental anxiety and fear is extremely common and, while not all adults will admit to it, causes far more dental issues than people realize. If you want your child to visit the dentist every six months as an adult, it helps for them to have good memories of visiting the dentist as a child.
Healthy smiles may take a little work, but you won't regret the effort. Plus, kids dental health is an important part of their overall health. When you reinforce better habits across the board, even when it's an uphill battle, you might be surprised at just how many of your lessons stick in later life. When a kid learns how to take care of their teeth, they learn how to take care of their body too.
If you're looking for pediatric dentistry Bethesda, contact the office of Dr. Jay H. Samuels. Not only is our staff trained for children's dental care, but we take a holistic approach to the science of dentistry. By treating the whole person, instead of just the smile, we get better results and form stronger connections with every patient.
We look forward to meeting you. Call 301-881-4200 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.