Your child has just turned one year old. Naturally, you want to plan a get-together with friends and family to celebrate! But before you get too carried away, you should take the time to set up your little one’s first dental appointment. Because of the ever-present threat of tooth decay, the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry both recommend that a first dental visit should occur no later than the first birthday – ideally within six months after the first tooth appears. Read on to learn more about the benefits of seeing a children’s dentist in Naperville as early as possible.
Why are Dental Checkups Important?
Any child that is old enough to have teeth is old enough to have cavities, which form when the plaque and tartar that cause tooth decay are left alone for too long. Despite the fact that cavities are highly preventable, they remain a highly prevalent childhood disease.. Regular checkups and cleanings give your children’s dentist in Naperville a chance to check for tooth decay in its earliest stages so that it can be treated more easily.
What are the Consequences of Not Getting a Checkup?
If cavities aren’t found and treated as early as possible, they can lead to significant pain and make it difficult for your child to eat. As tooth decay grows more severe, it generally requires far more complex treatments. Not only does this increase the cost of dental care, but it also means you might have to pull your child out of school more often than you would like to. In extreme cases, dental diseases can lead to serious health issues. For example, an infected tooth that becomes abscessed might, in rare circumstances, result in hospitalization.
How Can Early Checkups Help?
Bringing children to the dentist as early as possible can dramatically decrease the risk for decay. One study published in the Journal of Healthcare Management found that children who waited to see the dentist until later in life were much more likely to be suffering from cavities – which conversely means that those that see the dentist as soon as possible are more likely to avoid the issue. In the long term, being proactive about dental care will save you money and help ensure that your child’s smile lasts well into adulthood.
If it’s around the recommended time for your child’s first dental appointment, don’t delay; call your dentist immediately and ask for an appointment time. A checkup and cleaning might seem like an unusual present for a first birthday, but it’s one that can give your child plenty of reasons to smile in the future.
About the Practice
Grand Dental in Naperville is home to a dentist dedicated to providing patients with completely honest, fully personalized care. At Grand Dental Group, you’ll have access to a pediatric specialist as well as general dentistry for the whole family. We love being able to work with children, and we welcome the chance to make sure that your little one’s oral development starts off on the right foot from the very earliest stages in life. To schedule your child’s first pediatric dental appointment, visit our website or call (630) 576-9970.