Regular pediatric dental care is a must for babies as well as children since having healthy teeth is crucial for their healthy growth and development. Whatever your baby or child eats can affect their teeth, and, if you fail to clean these after every meal, their oral health may lapse. As a result, they may develop plaque, and tooth decay can follow. While permanent teeth will eventually replace the baby teeth, you should still make every effort to keep them clean and in good condition.

Make a point of cleaning the baby teeth with clean, warm water and a piece of soft cloth or a baby brush after every meal or drink. You should also brush their teeth after giving them any medicine as the acid in the medicine can damage the tooth enamel if not cleaned at once. Start using a pea-sized dab of toothpaste when your child is older, has the coordination to brush his or her own teeth, and is not likely to swallow the toothpaste.

It is advisable to take your child to see the dentist once or twice a year. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should preferably see a pediatric dentist at least once before they are one year old. Here are some of the reasons why you need to consider taking your baby or child to a pediatric dentist:

Your baby or child may have neonatal teeth

Some babies are born with neonatal teeth, although these instances are rare. If your baby happens to have such teeth, it will be a good idea to have a pediatric dentist check them. It may be necessary to remove these neonatal teeth as they don’t have any root structure and are wobbly. There is a risk that they may fall and, if the baby swallows them, they can get stuck in its airway and cause choking.

For developing baby teeth, the pediatric dentist will recommend a teething ointment to soothe your baby. They may also suggest providing relief by giving your baby a cold teething ring or massaging their gums. 

Your child may require dental sealant application

A dental sealant can help protect your teeth from decay. Depending on the necessity, a pediatric dentist may recommend the application of a dental sealant to ensure that your child’s teeth remain in good condition. The procedure is safe and will not put your child at any health risk.

Your child may require fluoride treatment

Fluoride is known to alter and strengthen the tooth molecular structure and make it resistant to tooth caries. That is the reason the US health authorities have approved putting it in drinking water. You should check with the water authorities in your area to find out if the water you get contains fluoride, and also with your dentist to check if your child is receiving a balanced dose of fluoride. If it is too less, their teeth may be at risk of decay. If it is too high, your child might suffer from fluorosis.

Your child may require orthodontic treatment

By undergoing regular dental care from a pediatric dentist, it may be possible to catch dental issues early on. The pediatric dentist, for instance, will notice teeth developmental problems or occlusion and recommend immediate and effective treatments. By undergoing the treatments right away, your child may be able to avoid future orthodontic treatments.

Along with providing essential dental care, the pediatric dentist can also counsel you on other aspects of your child’s dental healthcare. For instance, if your child has the tendency to suck their thumb or uses a pacifier, the pediatric dentist will inform you how these habits can harm the proper development of their teeth. They will also offer suggestions on how to discourage them.

The pediatric dentist can also advise you about the proper diet your child should have to develop healthy and strong teeth. They may suggest a list of food items that your child should avoid and the foods they should consume more. Additionally, they will recommend regular teeth cleaning routine that your child can follow daily to maintain good oral health. As you see, visiting a pediatric dentist is ultimately beneficial for your child.