Professional dental organizations strongly encourage parents to bring their young children to a dentist by the age of 1 year. These include the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Bringing the child to a dentist in Providence RI at this stage helps parents verify that the home oral hygiene practices are sufficient. It also helps the child become comfortable with going to a dental clinic right from the start.
Number of Teeth by Age
The number of teeth that these toddlers have varies a great deal. Some have one or two, while others might have seven or eight. Much of this depends on genetics, so parents need not be alarmed if only a limited number appear by the first birthday. All 20 baby teeth should be present by age 3. Parents of toddlers who want to make a first appointment can contact a clinic such as Atwill-Conroy Dental Associates.
Possible Problems
At the early appointments, dentists can point out any problems that are connected with inadequate oral hygiene or other activities. For instance, allowing a child to routinely sip milk or juice from a bottle is a significant risk factor for tooth decay because of the sugars in these substances.
The Importance of Baby Teeth
Some parents may wonder whether the baby teeth are really all that essential since they fall out at an early age anyway. These teeth actually are important for specific reasons. A full set of primary teeth allows the child to chew food normally and to develop speech properly. In addition, tooth decay can be painful. Left untreated, it spreads from one tooth to another.
Why Preventive Care Is Crucial
Studies have verified that parents who take their young children to a dentist at least once per year for preventive care have kids with fewer cavities than parents who do not. A Dentist in Providence RI can provide sealants for children to prevent cavities and fluoride treatments if a youngster is prone to developing tooth decay. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel. Children who have regular dental appointments are more likely to keep all their adult teeth and stay free of tooth and gum disease.
