Most parents dread having to bring their kids to the dentist. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t schedule regular appointments for dental checkups. Making sure your children visit the dentist’s office periodically is key for maintaining proper dental hygiene.
But is dental hygiene really that big of a deal? Yes. Here are 5 reasons why you should absolutely care that your children are taking good care of their teeth.
It Is Essential to Promote Good Dental Hygiene for Youth
Starting at a young age, parents should begin instilling good habits and healthy routines to prevent future dental problems. One of the most impactful habits for your child’s dental health is regular dental appointments. Make it easy for your child to build this habit by booking their appointments ahead of time and by making the trip to the clinic pleasant.
Your child’s dental health is important to us at Marlborough Dental Centre. Our rich experience in pediatric dentistry makes us the perfect candidate to attend to your child’s oral well-being.. Call us at 403-248-2066 or fill the online contact form below to book your child’s next visit to the dentist.
Top 5 Reasons Your Children Should Never Miss a Dentist Appointment
Keeping up with regular dental checkups and cleanings is one of the best ways to ensure proper dental hygiene for your children. Here are 5 of the best reasons why your child needs to see their dentist on a regular basis.
Be Proactive To Prevent Serious Dental Complications
A major benefit of keeping your children up to date with their scheduled cleanings is that it can prevent more consequential dental problems. The most common problems that arise in children from not keeping with their routine cleanings are:
- Gum disease (e.g., gingivitis and periodontitis)
- Tooth decay (smooth surface cavity or root cavity)
- Bad breath (also known as halitosis)
All 3 of these issues can be prevented with regular visits to your dentist’s office. During every dentist appointment, your child’s hygienist will remove any plaque or tartar buildup and check for early indications of these more serious ailments.
Reduce Stains Caused By Food Or Drink
Teeth are naturally white in color, but they adopt a yellowish tint over time. Here are some examples of the most common foods or drinks that cause stained teeth in children:
- Soy sauce
- Curry
- Tomato sauce
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Cola
- Carbonated Sodas with artificial flavoring
- Coffee or tea
Regular dental cleanups allow your child to enjoy these foods while keeping their smile pearly white.
Avoid Costly And Invasive Dental Procedures
Visits to the dentist may seem like a large investment of time and money, but this falls short in comparison to the significant commitment required for other, more invasive, dental procedures.
For example, scheduling an invasive or corrective orthodontic procedure needs to be booked months in advance and requires at least 2 full days of treatment. More complicated procedures like tooth extractions can take even more time from both you and your child.
However, many of these procedures can be avoided by proper dental hygiene. Regular visits to the dentist can prevent these complexities from occurring, making them a great investment for your child’s oral well-being over time.
Maintain The Longevity Of Your Children’s Smile
Your child’s adult teeth can last a lifetime—but only with proper hygiene. To make sure your kids carry a healthy smile for years to come, stay up to date with their regularly scheduled dentist appointments. Help your kids preserve a healthy set of teeth because they have many years of snacks and smiles ahead of them.
Install Good Dental Hygiene Habits Early On For Your Child
Becoming a regular visitor to a dental clinic can reinforce the right behaviours for your child to maintain proper dental hygiene for the rest of their lives.
During every visit, the dentist will help your child review their current brushing and flossing habits. Over time, this external guidance from a professional becomes internalized so that keeping up with the suggested cleaning frequency becomes more of a habit than a hassle.
A Healthy Smile is Important for a Happy Child
Do you have young children due for a visit to the dentist for their regular teeth cleaning and checkup? We know that bringing your kids to their appointment can be stressful if they don't enjoy the trip to the dentist. However, as a parent, it is your responsibility to schedule the appointments on time and to ensure their attendance.
Every time your children arrive for their appointment, we’ll make sure the checkup is stress-free and that their teeth are properly taken care of. To book your next appointment at Marlborough Dental, call us at 403-248-2066.
FAQs
How often should a child see the dentist?
You should visit the dentist every 6 months or twice a year.
What is the difference between a dentist and a pediatric dentist?
The main difference is that a general dentist can work on a wide range of patients regardless of their age whereas a pediatric dentist specializes in dental health care for children.
Is dental care covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance?
No, the Alberta Health Care plan is a publically-funded benefits plan and is not a dental plan. It does not cover the costs of routine checkups, filings, or cleanings.
