What You Need to Know About Pediatric Dental Care

There was a time when the prevailing attitude about pediatric dentistry was that there was no need to bring children to the dentist unless they had cavities. Even then, some people would argue that because baby teeth fall out anyway, cavities were no big deal. Luckily, things have changed and now we understand how important it is for children to see their dentist regularly for preventive care. Here’s what every parent should know about pediatric dental care.

There was a time when the prevailing attitude about pediatric dentistry was that there was no need to bring children to the dentist unless they had cavities. Even then, some people would argue that because baby teeth fall out anyway, cavities were no big deal. Luckily, things have changed and now we understand how important it is for children to see their dentist regularly for preventive care. Here’s what every parent should know about pediatric dental care.

Baby teeth play a significant role in your child’s development, which is why it’s important to take care of them. 

• Baby teeth help with speech development. Many of the sounds we make while talking are dependent upon our teeth. Having healthy baby teeth during the younger years allows kids to learn how to properly make sounds for when they get older.

• Baby teeth allow your child to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Without healthy teeth to bite and chew, kids are likely to miss out on whole grains, protein-packed meat, and crunchy fruits and vegetables.

• Baby teeth hold space for the permanent teeth. If a baby tooth falls out too soon, adjacent teeth may drift into the open space, making it difficult for permanent teeth to erupt when the time comes.

• Baby teeth that are left to decay cause discomfort and embarrassment. Just like adult teeth, baby teeth have nerves and roots so when a cavity gets large enough it can cause pain or an infection. No one wants their child to be in pain or feel self-conscious because of their teeth.

In addition, the condition of your child’s baby teeth is likely to have an impact on their adult teeth as well. Children with significant amounts of decay often have dental problems into their teen and adult years.

There’s a growing body of evidence showing the link between oral health and overall health. This isn’t just true for children, either—it’s also true for adults. When teeth and gums are diseased, it’s unlikely that the rest of the body is in perfect health. Likewise, many health conditions can cause symptoms in the mouth.

During your child’s routine dental checkups, we evaluate the condition of their teeth and gums and provide instruction on brushing, flossing, and nutrition. These visits give us the opportunity to identify minor issues before they become serious concerns and potentially impact your child’s health.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment at Suffolk Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, contact us today.