Keeping baby teeth healthy will bring lifelong benefits to your child.
Baby teeth are vulnerable to decay and trauma from the moment that you can first see them. If they fall out or have to be removed too soon, your child’s adult teeth might not grow in correctly. This is the perfect time to begin preventive care.
A healthy mouth is critical to proper nutrition and speech development. Even though they will be replaced by permanent teeth, baby teeth need all the care you can give them.
Besides, studies show that parents will save 40 percent on dental costs in the first five years of their child’s life if they take her to the dentist before her first birthday.
Happy Visit
Bringing your child for a ‘Happy Visit’ at an early age is a great way to help protect your child’s teeth. A simple exam that is explained as ‘we are going to count your teeth’ can help get your child easily started with routine dental care. Dr. Long, as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association, recommends that your child’s first visit should occur within six months of the appearance of their first baby tooth, and no later than your child’s first birthday.
Advantages of this visit are that Dr. Long and his staff can intervene at an early stage if your child is having a problem. They can show you how to clean your child’s teeth, discuss diet, baby bottles, sippy cups, fluoride needs and recommend oral care products. Dr. Long will also make recommendations for future visits specific to your child’s dental needs.
