February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a time to celebrate education and good oral hygiene habits for growing kids. It’s also the perfect time to schedule a checkup with a pediatric dentist for your little ones. When children have the chance to receive proactive dental care, they can enjoy a brighter, healthier, more comfortable smile. Here’s a closer look at the importance of routine children’s dental care to mark the occasion. 

Understanding Children’s Dental Health

Why Is Dental Care Important for Young Kids? 

Dental health starts early. Although the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that kids should visit a dentist at least once by the age of one, studies have shown that only one in four parents are taking their kids to the dentist during that time frame. When this is delayed, kids can develop cavities, abscesses, and even childhood gingivitis. 

While it’s true that baby teeth will fall out to make way for permanent teeth, they act as important placeholders. Additionally, baby teeth are crucial because they allow kids to learn to speak and eat properly. By taking care of these teeth, you can promote healthy growth and development in your kids. Everyone in the family should brush twice a day and floss once daily.

How Can Your Dentist Help? 

Fortunately, tooth decay is 100% preventable, and your pediatric dentist will help. Just like most adults, kids should visit the dentist twice a year for a checkup.

Professionals will carefully clean and inspect your child’s teeth for problems and apply protective sealants to create a barrier between the tooth and bacteria. In fact, dental sealants have been shown to prevent 80% of cavities in teeth for as long as two years following the treatment and 50% of cavities for the next four years. 

Pediatric dentists can also inspect a child’s mouth to determine whether or not their teeth are erupting properly and if additional treatment, such as orthodontic care, is necessary. 

If your child is due for a dental checkup, turn to Alaska Dentistry for Kids in Anchorage for help. For more than 18 years, these trusted professionals have been focused on helping families protect their oral health through professional, reliable dental care. Dr. Chris Coplin and his team are committed to making the experience fun and easy for kids, including children with special needs, alleviating anxieties and improving oral health care from a young age. Learn more about how this pediatric dentist can help by visiting their website or by giving their office a call at (907) 274-2525.