WHY YOUR CHILD’S ORAL HEALTH IS SO IMPORTANT

Approximately 20 percent of children under age 12 have undiagnosed and untreated tooth decay on at least one tooth. These cavities can cause pain and even lead to breakage and loss.

Children, especially younger kids, need their teeth to develop proper speaking skills and healthy chewing habits. These are only a few reasons your child’s oral health is so important!

Let’s examine a few other reasons your child’s dentist in Metairie, LA, promotes regular dentistry and healthy at-home habits.

5 REASONS YOUR CHILD’S ORAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT

#1 BABY TEETH AID IN EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Baby teeth are essential in early childhood. They help your little one learn speech and correct pronunciations, allowing them to navigate and communicate in their new world. Baby teeth also promote chewing and help your child learn to grind and gnash foods correctly, which may also aid in digestion.

When baby teeth are not kept healthy and are lost too soon, your child’s development may be compromised or delayed.

#2 BABY TEETH HOLD PLACES FOR ADULT TEETH

Your child’s arch continues to grow and develop through early childhood. However, when baby teeth are lost too soon, it can prompt adult teeth to erupt before the arch or palate is ready. This can lead to overcrowding and bite alignment issues.

It’s essential to keep baby teeth healthy until it’s time for them to loosen and fall out naturally.

#3 HEALTHY HABITS IN CHILDHOOD OFTEN MEAN HEALTHIER ADULTS

The mouth is an access point to the inner body. For this reason, it’s essential to keep it clean and healthy. As children age into adults, certain oral health complications—like gingivitis and gum disease—pose risks. Not only can gum disease mean tooth loss, but it has also been linked to certain types of dementia, heart health issues, and more.

Instilling healthy habits in your child through regular dental care and an excellent at-home routine promotes better oral health in adulthood due to learned healthy habits in childhood!

#4 BRUSHING AND FLOSSING FOSTER PRIDE AND TEACH RESPONSIBILITY

The team at Oak Family Dental work to instill pride in our young patients, celebrating a job well done when they present with no cavities at their checkups. This praise allows kids to feel proud of their efforts, and we believe it helps teach responsibility.

#5 REGULAR DENTAL CARE PROMOTES LIFELONG ORAL HEALTH

Teeth should last for life, and regular dental care from an early age helps make this a reality. Like adults, your child’s dentist in Metairie, LA, likes to see children every six months for exams and teeth cleanings. This schedule keeps teeth and gums healthy at any age.

Regular checkups also allow us to find minor issues before they develop into costly and time-consuming problems for you and your family.

BRINGING YOUR CHILD TO THE DENTIST FOR THE FIRST TIME

We like to see children around their first birthday. The dentist can see how their teeth and palate are developing by then. We make these visits fun for your child and build trust from the very first. We also like to chat with parents and caregivers, providing advice for at-home care and answering your questions.

DENTISTRY FOR CHILDREN IN METAIRIE, LA

We offer everything your child needs for a healthy smile, including:

  • Preventive dentistry
  • General dentistry
  • X-rays
  • Teeth cleanings
  • Fluoride treatments
  • Dental sealants
  • Emergency care
  • Orthodontic evaluations

CONTACT YOUR CHILDREN’S DENTIST NEAR ME FOR MORE

If you’re looking for a children’s dentist in your area, we love welcoming new kids and families. And we provide dentistry for all ages. So reach out to our dental team today to get started or if you have any questions.

Related Services: Children’s Dentistry