Do Your Kids Need to See the Dentist?

Do you ever wonder how important dental care really is for kids? Many parents have questions about the necessity of routine dental care for young children, and even the function of baby teeth, in general. Unfortunately, this can actually contribute to lifelong struggles with poor oral health, since the habits children form will either serve them well, or poorly, for years to come. Baby teeth are an important part of one’s oral health, in general. So, as a parent, it is important that you teach your kids about the importance of good dental hygiene, healthy eating, and also that you take them for routine preventive visits with their family dentist, so they can enjoy beautiful and healthy smiles, as they grow.

When Were Their Teeth Last Cleaned?

Children are just like adults in that they too need to see the dentist for routine preventive care. Most dentists recommend that people of all ages schedule routine checkups and cleanings at least twice a year, while those prone to cavities or struggling with gum disease might actually need to visit quarterly or more.

The reason it is important to care for baby teeth, even though they will eventually fall out to make way for the child’s permanent teeth, is because the baby teeth’s presence helps to protect the gums’ health, and also contributes to proper alignment of the permanent teeth as they begin to erupt. Without healthy baby teeth as placeholders for the permanent teeth, children are far more likely to struggle with severe and even functionally problematic issues with their permanent teeth.