By EKalman January 30, 2023 - 12:37am

Early visits to a dental specialist are very important and beneficial for your child's oral health. It’s recommended for children start their dental appointments before their first birthday. This is essential to diagnose speech or bite issues early and prevent dangerous dental diseases like tooth decay and cavities.

Continue reading to learn more about the importance and benefits of bringing your child to the dentist at a young age.

1. Prevent tooth decay and cavities
Since the beginning of teething, the risk of your child getting cavities has become very high. Regular dental checkups at an early age are essential to prevent cavities and tooth decay in your child’s teeth. Children are subjected to higher risks of cavities due to their habits. Most likely, your child uses a soft toothbrush because their gums are still too sensitive. And maybe they fall asleep after drinking a glass of warm milk and forgetting to brush afterward. This is why about 60% of children in America experience cavities and tooth decay before they even go to school. Getting your child into a dentist’s chair at an early age can help prevent all of these problems from developing.

2. Prevent misaligned or crooked teeth
As your child is growing up, their mouth and jawbone develop a structure. A pediatric dentist can provide examinations to determine if there are any structural abnormalities in your child’s teeth. Modern technology allows dental specialists to check teeth at the earliest stage of their growth and determine how they will develop in the future. This is great for detecting misaligned teeth earlier on and determining if your child requires braces to prevent them.

3. Prevent bite and speech disorders
Bringing your child to a dental specialist at an early age is also essential to diagnose any bite or speech disorders early on. Bite issues can affect your child’s nutrition by disabling them from properly chewing certain types of foods. Speech disorders can occur due to poor oral hygiene too. Your child may develop speech impairments, such as a lisp, due to the inability to form certain sounds because of poor dental health. This can become a lifetime problem if not treated in time.

4. Prevent Infections and bacteria accumulation
It’s known that kids tend to consume lots of candies and sweets. Children, in general, also lack the responsibility to maintain daily brushing and flossing. This can lead to a higher risk of infections and bacteria accumulation. Early dental checkups are essential to clean out the bacteria from the mouth and prevent infection and associated dangerous diseases.

5. Encourage healthy habits
Visiting a dental specialist from an early age can help children improve their dental habits. In addition, their pediatric dentist can provide education and information for you and your child regarding the importance of proper oral hygiene. Early dental visits can also help your child adjust to dental checkups and build trust in dental specialists. This can make it easier for your child to manage dental issues as they grow up.

The bottom line
Remember that timely treatment is essential to prevent tooth decay, cavities, and misaligned or crooked teeth. A dental specialist can also help prevent bite and speech disorders by fitting your child with braces at an early age. Early dental visits are also important to help your child feel more comfortable with dental exams and treatments in the future. Ensure your child’s proper dental health by scheduling a dental appointment right now.