Proper oral care is absolutely essential to your child enjoying a lifetime of excellent overall health, and it’s important to get them started early with great dental hygiene habits. However, it’s equally crucial to bring your child to a pediatric dentist regularly so they can keep an eye on the kid’s oral health and address issues in their early stages. Here’s a brief guide to how early detection of oral health problems can help your child stay on track for a lifetime of wellness.
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease Can Be Reversed in Their Early Stages
Destructive oral infections like tooth decay and gum disease can strike at any age, and developing these issues early in life can lead to a range of unpleasant long-term consequences such as tooth loss and dental misalignments. Thankfully, gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, and tooth decay that is still just a pre-cavity spot can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene. Having your child see their pediatric dentist regularly can help ensure that these infections are caught and addressed early.
Address Non-Nutritive Habits
Sucking on thumbs, fingers, or pacifiers are common oral habits among young children, and they are perfectly innocuous in the early stages of life. However, a child who continues these habits for too long after their teeth start emerging may develop dental alignment issues such as open bites as well as other problems like chewing and speaking difficulties. Monitoring these behaviors with the help of a qualified pediatric dentist can help a parent encourage a child to kick these behaviors when necessary.
Topical Fluoride Treatments Are Easy and Effective
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in many foods and local water supplies, and it has the incredible ability to reinforce enamel and prevent cavities. While toothpaste and mouthwash usually contain this substance, many children can also benefit from topical fluoride treatments administered by their pediatric dentist. This will help them keep their teeth in good health and avoid destructive oral infections, and it can sometimes be used to treat issues like premature dental wear before they become worse.
Regular dental checkups are a crucial part of preserving your child’s oral and overall health. Consulting with your family’s pediatric dentist can help you understand how to keep your kid’s teeth in great shape.
About the Practice
Dr. Amar Singh earned his dental degree at Howard University College of Dentistry and completed his pediatric residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania Dental Association. His office in Southampton offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry for children. To schedule your child’s next checkup, contact the office online or dial (215) 874-3786.