The Importance of Pediatric Dentistry
Your baby’s teeth may be small, but they play a major role in their overall development and health. Being proactive about your child’s dental care will help prevent early tooth decay and put them on the path towards a lifetime of positive oral health. Our team at Distinctive Dental Services of New York, P.C. specializes in pediatric dentistry and we are here to guide you through the process of caring for your child’s teeth throughout various stages of their life.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the best time to take your baby to the dentist is within six months of the moment their first tooth appears, or around their first birthday. Visiting the dentist at this stage will allow your dental care provider to diagnose any developing issues before they become worse.
Overall, the focus of the first appointment is usually to get your child acquainted with the dentist so they can start to associate positive memories with their visits. Aside from detecting any ongoing issues, we will perform a gentle cleaning If necessary, as well as a full examination of your baby’s existing teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues. The main purpose of this examination will be to help us monitor their growth and development. At this appointment, we will also walk you through the best ways to take care of your child.
Why Are Baby Teeth So Important?
Some people are under the false impression that baby teeth do not matter much because they will inevitably fall out. In reality, the opposite is true. Baby teeth aid in a variety of developments, including jaw growth and the ability to chew and speak clearly. Baby teeth also serve the purpose of moving the permanent teeth into the correct spot. Although they are referred to as “baby teeth,” they usually last until the child reaches age 12, which is a large portion of their childhood. If their teeth are healthy and functional, it will instill a sense of self-confidence that will last them a lifetime.
How to Set Your Child Up for Dental Success
Setting up your child to care about their oral health begins with creating positive memories associated with caring for their teeth, both at the dentist’s office and at home. At Distinctive Dental Services of New York, P.C., we will give them a comfortable experience in our office, and give you the tools to do the same while at home. Our pediatric dentists are experienced in working with children of all ages, including children with special needs. We know that many people feel anxiety surrounding visits to the dentist, and children are no exception. When you begin your child’s dental journey with us, their care will be in the hands of experts who will make them actually look forward to visiting the dentist.
To set up your child’s first pediatric dentist appointment at Distinctive Dental Services of New York, P.C., or to learn about our other services, call us today at (516) 207-0897 or contact us online.