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As a new parent, you may be wondering how often your child should see a pediatric dentist. To begin your child’s dental health journey, learn about what factors influence professional teeth cleaning and checkup frequency.

General Recommendations

Pediatric dentists recommend scheduling your child’s initial visit when their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday.  Then they should go every six months thereafter or more frequently if problems are detected.

These visits check the health of gum tissue, baby teeth, and jaw development. However, your child will not receive dental X-rays until they’re 3 and a half to 4 years old to check for cavities and abnormalities.

When Additional Visits Are Necessary

pediatric dentistA pediatric dentist might suggest visits more than twice a year due to dental health issues such as an excessive number of cavities or jaw development problems from pacifier use and thumb-sucking. Treatments depend on the severity of the conditions and the child’s age.

For example, if a child has numerous molar cavities in the baby teeth a dentist will likely recommend sealants, or plastic resin that protects against decay when the adult molars erupt around 6 years old. Orthodontic examinations might also be necessary around 8-9 years of age for early intervention with jaw growth and crowding.

The Benefits of Routine Teeth Cleanings

Taking your child to the pediatric dentist regularly will maintain the health of their baby teeth. While baby teeth eventually fall out, they provide placeholders for permanent teeth to erupt correctly. Severe decay or misalignments affect permanent tooth development. The dentist will also provide recommendations for home dental care.

Routine teeth cleanings and checkups help your child become used to dental visits and learn more about oral health. Children who don’t visit the dentist regularly are not only at a greater risk for tooth decay and gingivitis but also might develop aversions that prevent them from scheduling teeth cleanings and exams as adults. Oral health maintenance is a lifelong commitment, so the sooner children understand its importance, the more likely they are to enjoy beautiful, healthy smiles. 

 

Encourage healthy dental habits for life with biannual visits to Pedodontic Associates. With three convenient locations on Oahu and Maui, HI, their reliable and friendly pediatric dentists care for children of all ages. Call (808) 487-7933 for Pearlridge, (808) 735-1735 for Kahala, or (808) 877-0066 for Kahului to make your child’s introductory appointment. You can also review first visit information online

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