Pediatric dentists recommend that you take your child to his or her first dental appointment prior to their first birthday. Beginning your child’s dental care early has several benefits. A Pediatric Dentist in Birmingham Alabama will take special care of your baby and your baby’s teeth to ensure that they develop good oral habits as they grow.
Whether you baby doesn’t have any teeth or has eight or more by their first birthday, a pediatric dentist can examine your child’s mouth to check for any early oral health issues that may become a problem later in life. If your dentist detects an issue, they will monitor it and provide treatment as necessary. Early detection and treatment of dental problems can give your child a better chance of developing age-appropriate language skills.
Your child’s Pediatric Dentist in Birmingham Alabama can help you take care of your baby’s teeth. If you haven’t already begun brushing your baby’s new teeth, the dentist can show you the appropriate method and recommend toothbrushes and toothpaste. In the areas of the mouth that do not yet have teeth, wiping the gums with a soft cloth after your baby eats can keep the gums clean and free of plaque that can harm the teeth when they erupt.
Offices are often designed to accommodate very young patients and to make them feel comfortable seeing the dentist regularly. As your child gets older, your dentist will teach them how to brush their teeth well to avoid cavities. Pediatric dentists often offer sealants to their patients to protect their delicate molars and spacers to maintain alignment when teeth fall out prematurely.
Children who begin seeing the dentist early in life often have a more comfortable relationship with the dental staff as they get older. They may even look forward to their dental visits. They are also less likely to be afraid when they need to get a cavity filled or have a more complicated procedure such as a root canal. You can trust a pediatric dentist such as Dr. Michael S. Anglin to help your children enjoy going to the dentist twice every year.