Aside from the benefits of keeping your child’s smile healthy, regular dental check-ups are also essential for their overall health.
Tooth decay is the most common chronic ailment among children, despite being mostly preventable with good oral hygiene and regular pediatric dental check-ups.
Dental check-ups usually involve a professional cleaning to remove any built-up plaque that can lead to cavities. They may also include fluoride treatments or sealants to protect your child’s teeth from decay.
Healthy Teeth and Gums
Children are prone to cavities, and a dental check-up can help catch them in the early stages. This will prevent developing more serious problems requiring more advanced treatments and procedures during adolescence.
Kids with healthy teeth and gums can smile confidently and perform better in school. They are also less likely to be teased and bullied because of crooked or unhealthy teeth.
A good diet and consistent oral hygiene habits are key to maintaining your child’s health. Eating fruits and vegetables at the end of meals, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks can all help ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy throughout their lifetime.
Prevents Tooth Decay
Dental check-ups help prevent tooth decay by catching problems early and treating them before they get serious. That’s why they’re so important for your child’s health.
During a pediatric dental visit, the kids dentist Happy Valley Oregon will examine the teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay. They’ll also thoroughly clean your child to remove plaque and tartar that have built up over time.
Tooth decay starts when plaque and bacteria attack the minerals in your tooth’s outer enamel. This causes small, white spots that eventually turn brown and become visible as cavities (holes).
Prevents Gum Disease
Dental check-ups can help you and your child catch gum disease before it develops. This is because gum disease, or periodontal disease, can be a serious problem if left untreated.
Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar buildup collects under the gum line. Over time, this hardened material can lead to inflammation of the gum tissue and even bone loss.
Regular dental check-ups can help you and your doctor catch gum disease before it damages the bones that support your teeth.
The dentist and hygienist will measure pockets around your teeth with a tiny probe during your visit.
Prevents Tooth Wear
Regular dental check-ups can prevent tooth wear by catching problems early and treating them before they become serious. This can help reduce the need for more invasive procedures like root canals.
Regular check-ups allow your dentist to examine your mouth for any signs of gum disease or other oral health issues. These examinations include X-rays for tooth decay, cysts, tumors, and other conditions that may require treatment.
You should also have a dental cleaning every six months to remove plaque from your teeth and ensure any tartar is removed. Having tartar buildup on your teeth can lead to cavities and other problems.
Prevents Bad Breath
Your dentist can examine your mouth for other oral health problems such as periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other disorders. These problems can cause bad breath.
Regular check-ups allow your dentist to treat these conditions before they become a serious problem.
Keeping good dental hygiene and eliminating periodontal disease can also help prevent bad breath.
Aside from the odor-causing bacteria and food particles that build up between teeth, around gums, on the tongue, and in dentures, bad breath can be caused by other issues such as smoking or chewing tobacco-based products, chronic sinus infections, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, and sleep apnea.
The dentist can also evaluate your salivary glands at each visit to ensure they produce enough saliva. Saliva is necessary to moisten your mouth, neutralize acids produced by plaque and wash away dead cells that build up on your tongue, gums, and cheeks.