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To protect your child’s teeth from decay, both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend you begin visiting a family dentist within six months after their first tooth erupts but no later than their first birthday. This helps children develop positive oral care habits and become accustomed to visiting a dentist’s office.

At Discovery Dental in Eagle River, AK, they treat children from the time they are infants through their teenage years. Here are a few reasons they recommend parents start bringing their children to the dentist long before an emergency situation arises:

  • To Learn Proper Oral Hygiene: Taking your child to a family dentist from a young age will teach you how to clean their teeth correctly while they are too young to do it themselves. As they grow, your family dentist will also help you maintain a healthy diet for your child that will keep their teeth in good condition.
  • family dentistTo Spot Tooth Decay Early: Unfortunately, many parents are unaware their infants should not be put to bed with a bottle. This allows sugars to build up around their gums, which can result in tooth decay even before the teeth begin to erupt. By visiting a dentist early, you’re more likely to detect decay and other issues before they become painful problems. 
  • To Make Your Child Comfortable: To encourage them to keep up with their dental appointments throughout their lives, it’s best to start bringing kids to the dentist early, so they can get comfortable in the chair and with the staff. Additionally, if they already know the dentist, an emergency situation, especially one where they are in pain, won’t be so scary.

If your toddler has not yet been to the dentist, schedule their first appointment at Discovery Dental today by calling (907) 622-5437. You can learn more about this practice by visiting them online or by liking them on Facebook.

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