Anchor Family Dentistry

The Importance of Early Dental Visits

  

Taking your children for dental checkups early helps them begin a life of  good oral hygiene and health.

At Anchor Family Dentistry we usually see children as early as 2 years of age. Sometimes we see children even earlier than that. Usually our first visits consists of getting the kids used to the dentist chair and educating  parents of how to care for their little ones teeth, dietary suggestions and things to avoid.

So when should you take your child for their first visit?

It is recommended that infants have an initial check up with a dentist by the age of one. In some cases however, If your child has transitioned from bottle to a cup and does not snack at night time, then it is suggested that you can bring in your child at the age of 2. If your child has a habit of sleeping with a bottle filled with formula or drink, then there is a risk of baby bottle caries.

What is Baby Bottle Caries

Baby bottle caries describes tooth decay found in infants and young children. It generally occurs when sweet liquids, or those with natural sugars cling to infants teeth. These sugars are very attractive to natural bacteria in an infants mouth. The bacteria thrive on the sugar in these liquids and produce acids which erode and cause enamel decay. Baby bottle caries occurs when children are left to nap while drinking formula or drinks through a bottle or sippy cup. There is an inherent problem as there is a decrease of saliva during sleep, which causes a proliferation of bacteria. 

If your child sleeps with a formula bottle or sippy cup at naptime, you should  take steps to stop the habit, and also take your infant for a dental check up. 

So why are baby teeth Important?

Some parents may think that baby teeth are temporary and not important, however, this is not the case.

Baby teeth are important for chewing, speaking and smiling. They are also vital for maintaining space for adult/ permanent teeth. If left untreated, the infant would have to deal with pain, infection and early loss of teeth. This in turn causes maloclussion or misaligned teeth, gum disease  as a result of poor alignment of teeth and other significant dental issues as an adult. 

So what should you do?

1. Wipe your baby's gum with gauze or washcloth
2. Clean and massage gums if there are no teeth yet
3. Floss between teeth if all baby teeth have come in
4. Make sure your child gets fluoride after 2 years
5. Schedule regular dental check ups