Regular checkups at the dentist are an important part of oral health, especially for children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends visits to the children’s dentist twice a year. The caring and dedicated team at Alaska Dentistry for Kids in Anchorage, AK, provides comprehensive dental care for all young ones—from infants through teens.

Alaska Dentistry for Kids shares some of the reasons why regular visits are so important, including:

• Detection & Prevention: Regular checkups allow your dentist to catch any problems before they become bigger dental issues. Dental visits can prevent tooth decay and cavities with regular cleanings, which remove debris, and fluoride treatments, which are important for strengthening teeth. 
• Establishing A Routine: Getting your child into a routine of regular dentist visits can help alleviate any anxiety they may have in the future. When most visits are a basic cleaning and exam, children become more comfortable and at ease, better preparing them if they ever need a more involved procedure such as fillings or other dental work. If finding the time for regular visits is challenging, it can be helpful to schedule children’s dentist appointments in January and June, when kids aren’t in school during their winter and summer breaks.
• Developing Good Habits: When kids have regular dental appointments, they learn about daily brushing and flossing habits, and are given feedback and motivation to maintain good oral hygiene habits for the next visit. Good checkups result in positive reinforcement from the dentist for their efforts, which encourages them to continue the good work.