Why a Dentist for Kids Might be Essential for Your Child’s Health

A bright, healthy smile is a top priority for a child’s overall health. Starting with good kids dental hygiene habits like daily brushing and annual checkups sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Research shows the importance of starting oral hygiene early in life, and seeing a kids dentist conveniently located near you is a good way to build sustainable healthy habits.

A dentist for kids like our pediatric dentists at Great Smiles create a fun, engaging environment that make it comfortable for children.

Topics to explore related to Children’s Dentistry

Dentist for Kids – Don’t Wait to Visit

Tooth decay / cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease. Save money and heartache by visiting a dentist for kids early.

Tooth Decay in Children Compared to Common Ailments (1)

Tooth decay or cavities are far more prevalent than other common childhood ailments– 14x more common than chronic bronchitis, 7 times more common than hay fever, and 5 times more common than asthma.1

It is strongly recommended that a child is brought to a kids dentist before their first birthday. Children should then return at least once a year for annual checkups. Studies show that early childhood tooth issues can have serious consequences for a child’s future oral health, as well as their general health and overall quality of life. 2, 3-5, 6

1 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Oral Health in America. A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health; 2000:38. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2017-10/hck1ocv.%40www.surgeon.fullrpt.pdf
2 Ayhan H, Suskan E, Yildirim S. The effect of nursing or rampant caries on height, body weight, and head circumference. J Clinical Pediatr Dent. 1996;20(3): 209-12. The effect of nursing or rampant caries on height, body weight and head circumference – PubMed (nih.gov)
3 Grindefjord M, Dahllöf G, Modéer T. Caries development in children from 2.5 to 3.5 years of age: a longitudinal study. Caries Res. 1995;29: 449-54.CRA_Report.pdf (ada.org)
4 O’Sullivan DM, Tinanoff N. The association of early dental caries patterns with caries incidence in preschool children. J Public Health Dent. 1996;56(2): 81-83. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1752-7325.1996.tb02401.x
5 Al-Shalan TA, Erickson PR, Hardie NA. Primary incisor decay before age 4 as a risk factor for future dental caries. Pediatr Dent.1997;19(1): 37-41. al-shalan-19-01.pdf (aapd.org)
6 Filstrup SL, Briskie D, da Fonseca M, Lawrence L, Wandera A, Inglehart MR. Early Childhood Caries and Quality of Life – Child and Parent Perspectives. Pediatr Dent. 2003;25(5): 431-440. Early childhood caries and quality of life: child and parent perspectives – PubMed (nih.gov)

The Importance of Early Kids Dental Care

Many parents might think that dental care isn’t as crucial for young children since their baby teeth will eventually be replaced by adult teeth. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Baby teeth play a vital role in your child’s overall development. They help with speech development, chewing, and maintaining the proper spacing for adult teeth. Neglecting kids’ dental care can lead to more serious problems down the road, including misaligned teeth, infections, and even issues with self-esteem.

Dentist for Kids Help Build a Strong Foundation for Oral Health

Good oral health starts early. Here are some common FAQ:

When should my kid start brushing?

Begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as their first tooth appears. Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.

How do I get my child to do a good job taking care of his/her teeth?

Start good kids dental habits early. Turn brushing time into a fun activity. Play a two-minute song, use colorful toothbrushes, or create a reward chart to encourage consistent brushing.

What is the right way to brush?

Show your child how to brush correctly, covering all surfaces of the teeth and gently brushing the gums. Supervise them until they can brush independently.

Should my child floss?

As soon as your child has two teeth that touch, start flossing between them to remove food particles and plaque.

Great Smiles Children’s Dentistry

The above information is provided by Great Smiles, the leading children’s dentist practice in Western North Carolina. We are dedicated to fostering healthy habits and bright smiles for years to come.