Many parents aren’t aware of how much early dental care can make a difference in their child’s teeth. Pediatricians and dentists can often see signs of future dental conditions long before your child’s first tooth comes in. Early checkups can mean healthier teeth later on in life. If you want to start your baby on preventive dental care, here’s what you need to know.
At What Age Should Checkups Start?
The American Academy of Pediatrics along with the American Dental Association makes the same suggestion: children should start dental care when they reach 12 months old.
Early Treatment
A minor problem often becomes huge later on. For instance, your child having an extra tooth (hyperdontia) may not seem like a pressing issue, until that tooth affects the growth of the teeth around it. With early treatment, a pediatric dentist and pediatrician in Phoenix can stop that extra tooth from coming in at all.
Preventive Measures
Early visits to the dentist not only reveal current and future dental issues, but help you and your child prevent them. During well child checkups, your pediatrician and dentist can teach you steps to ensure your child has healthy teeth and gums. They can teach you everything from flossing to recognizing the signs of a cavity.
Where to Find Dentists
A lot of parents don’t realize that one of the best ways they can find a pediatric dentist is through a pediatrician. You can get a head start on your child’s dental health by visiting a pediatrician specializing in newborn care in Phoenix. Schedule a well child checkup with Pediatrix today.
