The Whole Tooth and Nothing But the Tooth

It might not seem like taking your toddler to the family dentist is necessary until they get a full mouth of teeth. But there are many good reasons to make dental care a priority while your little one is still young. Consider taking your child to the dentist when you notice their first tooth coming in. Here are just a few reasons why it's important to take your toddler to the family dentist:

Encourage Healthy Habits for a Lifetime

Taking your child to see your family dentist early will help instill dental hygiene habits that can be used to maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime. From the start, your child will understand how important it is to take care of their teeth because the dentist will always make a point to talk to them about dental hygiene and why their hygiene regimen will be taken seriously.

When your child gets older, they will already have a strong foundation to work from when making dental decisions of their own. They won't take brushing and flossing for granted, and they will be less likely to ignore possible dental problems that are developing.

Learn More About Care at Home

Taking your toddler to the dentist as soon as you notice a tooth growing in will help ensure that you have all the knowledge and skills you need to properly care for their teeth and gums as they age. Your family dentist will take the time to actually show you how to brush your toddler's gums and what signs to look for that cavities are forming or other problems are developing as your child's teeth grow in one by one. The insight and guidance you gain will help you keep your toddler's mouth healthy and happy between dental visits so they will be less likely to face the need for fillings and other procedures.

Make Visiting the Dentist Easier Over Time

By getting your toddler used to seeing your family dentist early, you will reduce the chance that you'll have to deal with tantrums and fights when it's time to visit the dentist later down the line. Kids who aren't used to visiting the dentist tend to be afraid of the experience and protest their visits on appointment day.

But as long as your child has been seeing the dentist since they were little, they won't have anything to be afraid of. And they'll know how to properly care for their teeth and gums, so they will know that they probably won't have to deal with cavities and gum disease which will give them peace of mind when visiting the dentist. Speak with an oral health team like Today's Dental Care to get started.