New parents often wonder when to start taking their children to a pediatric dentist. This is a good concern to have, as their dental hygiene and oral care needs to begin as early as possible for the sake of their development. These signs can indicate that it may be time to schedule an appointment.
1. Their Teeth Have Started to Come In
According to Web MD, parents should start taking their children to a pediatric dentist as early as the age of one, usually when their first baby teeth appear. Some people don’t think beginning at that age is necessary, but in our experience, almost all kids have their complete set of baby teeth by age three. Early dental appointments will only help prevent issues such as tooth decay and malformations in the future.
2. They Express Feeling Oral Pain
Toddlers are fairly susceptible to cavities because of the difficult process of cleaning their teeth. Therefore, if your child expresses pain, you should see a pediatric dentist because it could be a cavity or something worse. Ignoring the issue will only cause bigger complications later.
3. They’ve Been Injured Near the Mouth
Like all of us, our kids are susceptible to more than just cavities. Dental injuries are also a big problem for younger kids as they run around, explore their limits, and learn about new dangers every day. Furthermore, baby teeth are more vulnerable, so they break easily. A simple fall can cause cracks and other problems, which have to be addressed by a specialist, or there could be consequences.
4. Their Breath Is Strong
Another clear sign of oral issues is bad breath. This can be an issue even if you’re keeping up with your child’s brushing routine. Bad breath is not only caused by avoiding toothpaste, after all. It’s also a symptom of gum disease and dry mouth. In addition, some medications have been known to give off a stale odor. Regardless, it’s best to reach out to a professional to identify the cause.
These matters must be addressed immediately or your child could suffer as a result. Fortunately, a pediatric dentist can help find the root of the problem. Don’t wait to begin their dental hygiene journey! Give our team a call today at Children’s Dentistry of Chattanooga.