Sure, your child’s baby teeth (also referred to as their primary teeth) will not stick around. In fact, you should start seeing their replacements (their secondary, or adult, teeth) arrive at a relatively young age. If that leads you to think oral care for primary teeth is unimportant, think again. You should bring your child to see your dentist by around their second birthday, and you should provide care for their primary teeth when they start to arrive. These primary teeth deserve care – they can suffer from tooth decay, and that decay can allow bacteria to cause them pain. Early regular dental exams are also important for allowing your dentist to watch the growth and development of their jaw structure for signs of issues that will need to be addressed.
Bringing Your Child To The Dentist For The First Time
During your child’s initial visit, your dentist is focused on providing them a comfortable experience. Establishing that comfort will help them feel more at ease during subsequent visits. A good relationship with their dentist can make them more receptive to instruction on dental care…and make the task of bringing them in for treatment less of a headache for you.
Using Dental Sealants To Protect Your Child’s Secondary Teeth
Your child’s secondary teeth can be vulnerable to cavities, as kids tend to practice less diligent oral care at home than adults. After all, they have had much less practice than you in brushing and flossing, and can consume more sugar in their daily diet. When your child’s secondary back teeth have arrived, your dentist can coat your child’s back teeth with dental sealants, which can barricade them against harmful agents.
