Proper oral hygiene is one of the most vital concerns for children. It is recommended that a child’s first visit be as soon as a tooth grows in; for most kids, that means before their first birthday. The pediatric dentists at Wisconsin’s La Crosse Pediatric Dentistry implore parents to schedule their children’s first appointment during this time — and here are a few reasons why:

Avoid Early Tooth Decay

Even the first pearly white is worthy of the best dental care. While children ultimately end up losing their first set of teeth, the health of those teeth is crucial for general health and proper speech development. Furthermore, the shape of a child’s first smile influences the growth their adult teeth. Early tooth decay significantly complicates the development of healthy adult teeth and causes other problems.

Promote Good Dental Care Habits Early On 

Fostering a routine for children is the best way to set them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and confidence. If they learn they need to brush and floss regularly and the importance of biannual visits to the pediatric dentist, it won’t be a struggle later in life when they start to take more responsibility for their own health.

Eliminate Fear Of The Dentist 

Not every child has an easy time visiting the pediatric dentist, especially for the first time. But if you start building up their trust early on, the transition will be much easier. To help with their children’s anxiety, parents are welcome to accompany them during the exams.

If it’s time to schedule your child’s first dental appointment, La Crosse Pediatric Dentistry invites you to see why they’re one of the top dental offices in the area. Call at (608) 782-4054 for questions, or visit them online for more information about their practice.