Good dental care starts even before a baby’s first tooth comes. The teeth may not be visible, but that doesn’t imply they aren’t there. Let us mention that 20 primary teeth, some of which are fully grown in the jaw, are present in your newborn at birth. Taking care of your child’s dental care should be one of your priorities. 

Cavities carry tooth decay and are one of the most typical chronic diseases of childhood. Untreated cavities can induce pain and ailments that may lead to issues with speaking, eating, playing, and learning. The statistics have proved that: 

• More than half of kids between the ages of 6 and 8 have at least one cavity in a baby (primary) tooth.
• More than half of teenagers between the ages of 12 and 19 have at least one cavity in a permanent tooth.

So, it is better to take precautions and care in advance. There are various signs of tooth decay in children that include:

• Red or swollen gums
• Pain
• White bumps along their gumline
• Brown spots on their teeth

Identifying the symptoms of tooth decay in children can be confusing. It may be challenging for parents to define specific indications such as the presence of white spots along the gum line. This is the reason why early and persistent dental care is needed to determine its presence. Let us discuss some of the advantages of good oral health in children. 

Benefits of Adequate Oral Health in Children

Some of the advantages of oral health in children are: 

• Prevents diseases- One might believe that a child’s baby teeth would finally fall out so caring for them is not necessary. But when it comes to children’s dental maintenance, the key is to address oral health problems as soon as they appear. 
  As soon as possible, kids should establish daily dental hygiene habits at home, which should include brushing and flossing. Your child’s general health will improve by taking appropriate care of their developing teeth and this will eventually result in the prevention of illness. 

• Proper oral hygiene supports healthy tooth development- Children’s teeth have very distinct requirements from adults. A child’s teeth, gums, and jaw grows and changes every day. That’s why we always recommend that your child should see a pediatric dentist. 
  We at Smile Collective can provide your child with the support they need throughout their oral development, starting from their very first tooth. We own the knowledge and expertise to treat younger mouths, witness potential issues early on, and set your kiddos on the path to a beautiful smile.

• Healthy teeth save money- Children’s oral health sustenance starts at home. The sooner you begin proper oral hygiene routines, the fewer dental appointments your child will require in the long run. As much as we love to see our little patients, the less often your child needs to visit the dentist’s chair, the better. We are always here to help when issues arise. Teeth-healthy habits are a win-win for your child. 
• Children thrive with routines- Believe it or not, brushing and flossing regularly is about more than building the foundation for a healthy smile. It also constitutes an essential part of a child’s day-to-day routine, which is crucial for their development. Kids prosper when they have a routine, as it provides them with a sense of security and stability. Routines also guide time management, responsibility, and the importance of healthy practices to your child. So, make a fun routine for your kids’ oral health care and they’ll be well on their way to a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth.
• Healthy smiles lead to happy kids- At the end of the day, you really can’t put a cost on the confidence that a strong, healthy smile brings. Studies have shown that a healthy smile permits kids to eat and talk better, which in turn enhances their self-esteem. As a parent, it is your job to give your child the means and help they require to build a healthy, confident smile. After all, a healthy child is a happy child and that’s a win for all.

When Should Kids See a Dentist?

We would recommend that a child should see a dentist by their first birthday. At this foremost visit, the dentist will demonstrate proper brushing and flossing methods and do an exam while your baby sits on your lap.

These visits can help discover issues in advance and help kids get used to seeing the dentist so they’ll have less worry about going as they get older. As a parent, consider taking your kid to a dentist who specializes in treating kids. Pediatric dentists are trained to address the broad range of problems associated with kids’ dental health. Also, inspire your kids to use a mouthguard during sports, which can contain severe dental injuries. 

To Conclude! 

As kids grow, plan regular dental checkups anywhere from once every 3 months to once a year and train them to develop proper oral health practices! We at Smile Collective make certain that your child is in safe hands. Make sure you are checking on them because maintaining good health is important!