The Importance of Pediatric Dental Care

If your child is not seeing a dentist in New York, NY, then they should be. This is why pediatric dental care is so important.

Did you know that your child should visit a dentist by the time they're one year old? That's right, even if your child only has a single tooth erupting, they're ready to meet their dentist for the first time!

Many parents underestimate the importance of pediatric dental care. After all, children won't have their adult teeth for a few years. How important can their gums and baby teeth be to their overall oral health?



You'd be surprised. Read on to learn all about pediatric dental care before you schedule an appointment with your local dentist in New York, NY.

When Should a Child Start Seeing a Pediatric Dentist?

As we mentioned, a child should visit the dentist by their first birthday (or soon after the eruption of their first tooth). While this may seem early, that first tooth is still important. It can still decay or cause problems for the surrounding gums.

After the first tooth erupts, the rest are soon to follow. Going to a dentist for kids will prepare both you and your child for what's to come.



If your child is already out of infancy and you haven't yet taken them to the dentist, that's okay. You're doing your best, and now you know better! Set up an appointment as soon as possible.

What Dental Services Do Children Need?

For the most part, pediatric dental services are the same as general dental services. 

For young children, dentists focus more on education and preventative care. Even though the child doesn't yet have their adult teeth, they can still start developing issues in childhood that they could carry with them.



For example, children may start showing early stages of gum disease if they don't take care of their baby teeth.

What Will a Child's First Dentist Appointment Look Like?

Your child's first dental appointment will be fairly simple and stress-free (especially if you bring them in at the appropriate age).

The dentist will perform a brief dental exam. They'll talk to the child (even if they aren't yet able to understand) and explain everything they're doing. 

The dentist will assess the child's gum, teeth, and bite. While the child's mouth is still developing, a good dentist may be able to spot potential concerns even early on. 

The dentist may also perform a cleaning, but this isn't always necessary. 



The dentist will talk to you about how you should take care of your child's teeth at home and answer any questions you may have. This first appointment will benefit you just as much as it benefits your child.

Benefits of Pediatric Dental Care

If your child barely has teeth, why do they need to go to the dentist? Here are a few benefits of pediatric dental care that you should take advantage of.

Parent Education

Parent education is one of the top benefits of bringing your young child to the dentist (especially if this is your first child).

Did you know that you have to brush your child's gums and baby teeth? That's right, even when your child's teeth are so small you can barely see them, you should be keeping them clean. Their gums can still trap bacteria and become inflamed.

Your child's dentist will teach you all about how to do this. They'll recommend the right tools for the job and make sure you don't have any questions. They'll also teach you about any signs of problems you should be looking out for. 

You can also ask your child's dentist questions. For example, do you know when a child should stop sucking their thumb? Do you know what foods and drinks to avoid to protect your child's teeth? 

Your dentist can answer any questions you have about helping your child maintain good oral health.

Getting a Child Used to the Dentist

It's true that many children experience dental anxiety, and while visiting the dentist from a young age won't entirely eliminate that anxiety, it can help.

When you start taking your child to the dentist from infancy, you're showing them that a visit to the dentist is just a normal and non-scary part of life. There's nothing to be afraid of.

If you stick with the same dentist long-term, your child will develop a bond with them.

Routine dental appointments will also lower your child's chances of needing more intensive (and frightening) dental work in the future.

Establishing Good Habits

You should be helping your child develop good dental hygiene habits as soon as possible. The dentist will help with that. 

Your child will learn how to properly care for their teeth so they can stay healthy for a lifetime. 

Early Intervention

While your child's teeth and jaw aren't developed yet, a good dentist can catch certain problems early. For example, some dentists can identify orthodontic issues even before a child is old enough for braces. 

They may refer you to an orthodontist for further treatment. Getting this treatment early can make orthodontic work easier and less painful for your child. 

It's Time to Make a Dental Appointment for Your Child

Pediatric dental care is essential if you want your child to grow up with healthy teeth and gums. Even if your child still has their baby teeth, or if they barely have teeth at all, a pediatric dentist will keep them healthy.

Show your child that there's no need to be afraid of the dentist by taking them to their first appointment as soon as possible.



Are you looking for a family dentist in New York, NY? At Riverside Dental, we're here to help. Contact us to request an appointment today.