Nicholas Papapetros, D.M.D. Explains Why Dental Care Is Important for Your Kids

SHREWSBURY, Mass. - June 4, 2014 - PRLog -- Most parents wouldn’t dream of neglecting to schedule annual well visits with their child’s pediatrician. After all, pediatricians begin caring for children at birth till about 18 years old. The main focus is to ensure healthy growth at yearly appointments. However, parents are sometimes a little less confident about when to start dental care for their children, and just how to go about doing so.

The good news is that a family dental practice can meet the needs of your entire family. Whether you need a filling or your child needs a routine cleaning and checkup, a family dental practice is equipped to care for parents and kids alike. And with this “one-stop shopping” option for dental care, it’s never been more convenient to line up appointments for the entire family.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that parents take a child for an initial dental appointment by his or her first birthday. Since primary teeth typically begin to emerge during your child’s first year, it’s important to begin practicing good oral hygiene early – even if this just means gently wiping down a baby’s gums after feedings. As teeth begin to erupt, it’s essential to keep them clean after meals and eventually begin a tooth brushing regimen that becomes part of a daily routine.

Regular dental appointments during childhood can help identify and stop the spread of tooth decay, which can advance quickly in small children whose teeth are more permeable and susceptible to the bacteria that cause cavities. Becoming accustomed to visiting the dentist early in childhood can also eliminate office anxiety as your child adjusts to the notion of regularly-scheduled visits.

Family dentists can provide additional protection for your child’s teeth in the way of dental sealants and the application of topical fluoride. Plastic sealants provide an extra layer of protection for back teeth by covering the small grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth. Topical fluoride provides an additional barrier to decay. Neither of these procedures is complicated or uncomfortable and both help to reduce the need for fillings and other more invasive procedures down the road.

Family dentists can also advise parents about proper nutrition, healthy brushing habits, and other elements of oral hygiene that help prevent cavities. Since good oral health can have a positive impact on overall health, it’s important to establish those good habits in childhood. And with a family dentist, your child can make a smooth transition from childhood dental care when primary teeth give way to adult teeth.

If you have a small child, make an appointment today for an initial dental screening. Healthy dental habits practiced early on are more likely to see lifelong success.