What age should children visit the dentist for the first time? As with most things in life, the earlier one starts the easier it is. If you take your child to the dentist for the first time when they are seven or eight, they may have a negative preconceived notion of what the dentist visit will be like. They made have heard children talking on the playground at school, or an older sibling make derogatory comment and their wild childish imaginations run wild. If children have positive experiences at the dentist very early in their lives they don't have to afraid of the unknown or imagined.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises taking babies to the dentist when their first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday. This serves several purposes. Good oral hygiene is vital for healthy children. Babies can start good oral hygiene by regularly flossing, and daily brushing with soft bristles and a toothbrush with a small head, with the help of their parents, of course. This should be done at bedtime. The same bacteria that causes plaque to grow on adults teeth also grows on babies and children's teeth. Drinking water is another good habit to form for good dental care. Especially before bedtime or after the last food has been eaten. Use baby toothpaste when the first tooth appears.
Don't discount the importance of baby teeth. Primary teeth or "baby" teeth are critical. They help children speak clearly, and chew naturally. They also aid in helping to form the path the permanent teeth will follow. If a child has a toothache rinse the irritated area with warm salt water. Place a cold compress on the face to alleviate swelling. Use children's strength acetaminophen for pain and see a dentist as soon as possible.
The old way of thinking is that children who suck their thumbs will have deformed jaws and buckteeth, is this true? No, most children stop sucking their thumbs on their own by three or four years of age. Primary teeth are still present. Only children who suck their thumbs for an extended period of time well past four can on occasion push the upper teeth towards the lips so the teeth do not bite together properly. Talk to your pediatric dentist if you have concerns.
Take your children to the dentist early to start good oral hygiene and habits. Children who start young will have less fear as they grow older of dental visits. Good oral hygiene starts very young and continues the life. Remember you don't have to take care of all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep!
Author Resource:-
Family and Cosmetic Dentist Austin TX (http://www.drmannem.com/) as a premier dentist Austin TX,Sasi K. Mannem, DDS has been proudly providing quality dental care to the community of Austin.
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