Why is a Pediatric Dental Check-up Important?

A pediatric dental check-up is more important than many parents realize. It allows us to ensure that a child's teeth are coming in properly and allows us to clean their teeth to prevent the likelihood of developing decay. Even young toddlers can develop tooth decay. In fact, it is so common that there is a specific phrase for it, "baby bottle tooth decay."

What is baby bottle tooth decay?

Baby bottle decay is when babies or toddlers develop tooth decay, also known as cavities. Very often, children suffer from this decay when they take a bottle to bed with them every night. Whether the bottle is full of milk or juice, drinking a bottle will place sugar on their teeth that will remain there throughout the night.

While the sugar remains on the teeth, an acid may begin attacking the enamel on the teeth. If this happens night after night, it is highly likely that a child will suffer from decay. Children who breastfeed also have this risk since there is sugar in a mother's milk, as well.

How do you prevent the bottle tooth decay?

An efficient way to prevent this common problem is to brush a baby or toddler's teeth before they go to bed. Afterward, give them water in a bottle or no bottle at all. This keeps sugar off of their teeth while they are sleeping. Second, it is important to schedule a pediatric dental check-up at least twice a year. This will allow us to clean their teeth and remove some of the plaque that may have built up.

Why is a pediatric dental check-up so important?

We want to prevent decay and infections whenever possible. However, we realize that sometimes a child may suffer from decay. In that case, these appointments will prevent future decay and also allow us to treat any current problems before they become worse. This is incredibly important because cavities and tooth infections can be very painful.

We do not want any of our young patients to suffer unnecessarily. If they do suffer from decay that remains untreated, it could lead to premature tooth loss. This type of tooth loss can create a variety of challenges with the positioning of their teeth.

Will my child be uncomfortable?

We treat children on a regular basis and know how to keep them physically comfortable. We also work hard to help them feel welcome and safe when visiting our office. Parents can further help with this by talking to their child about what to expect from the appointment and being positive about the experience overall.

Children take a lot of cues from their parents. Thus, the way in which a parent prepares for and handles the appointment is going to significantly impact how the child feels and behaves.

Schedule a pediatric dental check-up today

One of the best things a parent can do for their child's oral health is to schedule an appointment with our office on a regular basis so that we can prevent and treat oral health problems. Call us today at (908) 905-0747.

Recent Posts

Baby Teething Remedies To Try At Home

Many new parents call our office hoping to find out about baby teething remedies to get through what can be a very difficult time. We understand how frustrating it can be for parents to watch their child suffer. Unfortunately, teething is a necessary part of life and there will be pain associated with it.Plain and…

5 Important Tips For Kids' Dental Care

Every parent wants the best for their kids, and the best should include a strong dental care plan. Simply stating the importance of oral hygiene is not enough. Parents need to have a plan in place and purposely work on creating healthy dental care habits. Intentions die a quick death when lives get hectic. It…

Family Dentistry Tips For Picking A Toothbrush And Toothpaste For A Child

Picking a toothbrush and toothpaste for a child is an important decision so tips from a family dentistry office can help when choosing.  Brushing teeth twice a day is a child's first defense against tooth decay and gum disease. Picking the wrong toothpaste and toothbrush can leave their teeth exposed to plaque accumulation and worn…

What A Family Dentist Looks For During An Exam

A dental checkup with a family dentist is one of the most important appointments to keep. The checkup is not just important for good oral health, but also for general wellbeing. This article explains what a family dentist checks for during a dental exam and checkup.For patients who have not undergone a dental exam in…


Recent Posts

Issues A Cosmetic Dentist Can Fix With Dental Veneers

4 Issues A Cosmetic Dentist Can Fix With Dental Veneers

Today, with increasing importance placed on dental aesthetics, there are many reasons why one may consider a trip to the cosmetic dentist. The desire for good-looking teeth is important as beautiful smiles are known to contribute to a person's overall well-being and positive self-image. There are many different avenues for fixing an imperfect smile. In…

Cosmetic Dentist Procedure Options For Your Smile Makeover

Cosmetic Dentist Procedure Options For Your Smile Makeover

If you find yourself hiding your smile due to imperfections on your teeth, a meeting with the general dentist for cosmetic dentist treatments can transform your smile. Whether you wish your teeth were straighter and whiter with no flaws, there are different dental procedures available to transform your smile. This article covers a few of…