When Does Your Child Need To Visit A Dentist?

Immediately the first tooth erupts, your children’s dental health becomes a priority. Our pediatric dentistry in Mississauga, ON, recommends that parents seek preventive dental care for their children from a tender age. A pediatric dentist will ensure that your child’s teeth develop as required and are strong, healthy and beautiful.

Seven signs that your child needs to visit a dentist

1. Once your child turns one, the American Dental Association recommends that you should take them for their first dental visit even though their teeth seem to be in good shape. Some children need to visit the dentist earlier due to bottle tooth decay or teething problems.
2. When a child starts to complain about experiencing pain in their teeth, it is a sign that a visit to the dentist is required. The pain may be due to tooth decay or a recent fall where the child’s tooth chips or breaks. Ask the child about the pain and when it occurs to understand whether it is only minor discomfort or severe pain.
3. The sight of blood in your child’s mouth signifies that a dentist should see the child. When the bleeding gums are also swollen and irritated, this is a sign that your child needs immediate attention from a dentist. Contact our dental office at Pearl Dental Care for fast and efficient dental emergency services.
4. Persistent bad breath in your child’s mouth even right after brushing indicates that you need to take the child to a dentist. This is a sign of a serious dental health problem, and the dentist will determine its cause and fix it.
5. It is normal for baby teeth to become loose to come out and be replaced with permanent adult teeth. However, when a child’s permanent tooth becomes loose and has persistent severe pain, you should take them to the pediatric dentist near you right away. This may indicate a serious infection that requires proper and immediate treatment so that it does not spread and cause other oral problems.
6. Children complain about several things which parents do not give much attention to since they are normal. However, when children complain of an odd, uncomfortable feeling in their teeth when they eat or drink, do not ignore them. Instead, take them to the dentist as tooth sensitivity is a sign of cavities or other more serious dental problems.
7. When you notice that your child’s teeth have changed in colour from white to gray or black, take him or her to the dentist for immediate dental attention. Staining or discolouring indicates that the tooth is dying or the child has genetic issues.

Important Ages For A Child To Visit The Dentist

It is important to ensure that your children’s dental health is in the best condition possible when their first tooth erupts. As the child’s jaws and teeth grow and develop, there are certain ages when a visit to the dentist is most important. Some of the ages are:

1. 1. Age One

At this age, the parent establishes a foundation for the child’s dental care. During this dental visit, pediatric dentistry in Mississauga, ON, focuses on teething issues and managing habits like thumb or finger sucking. In addition, the parents get educated on how to care for the child’s dental health to avoid issues such as baby bottle tooth decay and how diet affects oral health. Finally, when the dentist is satisfied with the child’s oral health, you can wait until age two, when the standard twice a year dental visits begin.

1. 1. Age Four

At this age, the child’s bad oral habits need to be addressed to overcome them quickly and effectively. The dentist comes up with strategies to stop thumb sucking, finger sucking and finger chewing habits in children. The dentist examines the teeth for cavities and may even take the first set of dental x-rays. Your child will also be instructed on how to properly clean their teeth by the dental profession.

1. 1. Age Seven

Your child should start seeing an orthodontist at this age as the first molars erupt. The dentist can properly evaluate the child’s bite and identify potential dental problems. Preventive oral care begins in earnest so that the new teeth will last into adulthood in the best condition possible. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are recommended at this age.