- December 4, 2019
- Posted by: arrow
- Category: Uncategorized
Often, parents in Kenya assume there is no need to take their child to the dentist until teeth develop or a dental problem appears. The reality is visiting the dentist goes beyond the teeth. It’s about your child’s oral health – gums, lips, and inside of the mouth. Sadly, many tend to ignore this which puts children at risk of dental problems. A report showed that almost about 20% of children between 2 to 18 years old have oral problems such as cavities. This is an indicator of just how pediatric care is for children. Here are the reasons why taking your child to a dentist is crucial.
Benefits of taking my child to the dentist
- Familiarity with the dentist. Children need to be comfortable in their environment. When you begin dental visits early, you improve the chances of your child to familiarizing with the dental clinic, be at ease when they go for dental procedures, and make the visits a routine in their life.
- Early monitoring of dental problems. A child is susceptible to many oral health problems such as tooth decay. When you take your child to the dentist from an early change, you increase the chance of detecting any dental problems early. This allows preventative actions to be done as early as possible to protect your teeth.
When should a child go to the dentist?
Experts recommend parents to take their children for a dental visit when the first tooth appears or once they reach 1 year old. If you notice something abnormal before this time, you should book an appointment with your dentist immediately. The earlier your child visits the dentist the better for their oral health.
What happens at a child’s first dentist appointment?
The first dental visit is short and does not involve a lot of procedures. During the visit, your child meets a friendly pediatric dentist who can engage them in a friendly way. Next, an oral diagnosis is conducted to check the health status of your child’s teeth and look for potential problems with gums, oral tissues, and jaw. If a health problem is discovered, the dentist offers the remedy, i.e. cleaning the mouth, etc. In the end, the parents are educated about oral health care for children. The dentist might also discuss topics important to your children such as brushing techniques, oral habits, nutritional advice, teething, and more.
How often should a child go to the dentist?
For children, experts recommend that you take your child to a dentist twice a year. If the dentist detects early dental problems such as tooth decay, he or she might recommend more frequent visits to ensure your child heals.
The oral health of your children can change quickly. Even in a few months, factors such as diet or hygiene can open the door for dental problems. That’s why it’s important to regularly take your child to the dentist for a checkup. This ensures you’re on the know about your child’s dental health and get a better understanding of how to keep their mouth healthy.
Book an appointment with us.