Visiting a family dentist is a must for everyone, but is especially important for children. Children are just learning how to take care of their teeth, and a family dentist can help to instill lifelong habits that will lead to healthy teeth for years to come. A family dentist can also treat any problems that arise, such as cavities or the need for braces (in which case a family dentist will more likely than not refer you to a trusted orthodontist).
Children are not immune to developing dental problems, and this is in part why it is so important that they too see a family dentist twice a year for check ups. In fact, it’s estimated that around 20% of all children from the age of five to the age of nineteen have at least one untreated cavity if not more. And nearly half of all children – 40% – will have had their first cavity by the time that they reach kindergarten. Because cavities can and do occur in young children, it’s important that they are seen by a dentist on a regular basis to make sure that all cavities are treated promptly.
It’s also important to see a dentist regularly because poor oral hygiene can lead to a number of problems in the lives of children. For one, children who suffer from tooth decay are actually more likely to be absent from school due to tooth related pain. Over 50 million total school hours are lost because of pain tied back to poor care of teeth and oral hygiene. A family dentist can not only treat these conditions that have already arisen but can also help to instill healthy habits, such as brushing teeth the recommended two times every day.
Family dentists can make a big difference in a child’s life. They can help kids get started in life with healthy habits related to oral hygiene as well as take steps of preventative care to keep them cavity free and healthy. When problems do arise, they can treat them and help kids perform their best in school by keeping them pain free. Going to see the dentist is an important part of every child’s health and should be done at least twice a year, more if additional issues like painful cavities occur.