The day that your oldest daughter invited her first friend over for a play date turned out to be pretty memorable.
The new little friend and her mother had only been at your house less than five minutes when the warm weather drew everyone outside. With the two three-year old girls running hand in hand across the park that backs to your house, the squeals were pure magic. Two new friends. Sunshine. Freedom. Open space.
Unfortunately, before you and the other mother could reach the park the squeals turned to cries, and then on to sobbing tears. On the first trip down the slide, the play day guest did not duck enough at the top and hit her mouth on the overhead bar. With a fat and bleeding lip, eyes and nose running, and hysterical screams, the young guest came running back to her mom before the play day had barely started.
Both you and the other mom attempted to be calm, but it was pretty clear that one of the front top baby teeth was crooked. You initially thought that because it was a baby tooth, it would not be a problem. The other mother, however, was not certain and she called into pediatric dentist office and made an appointment. The little girl eventually calmed down and the two friends played for quite a while, even making several more safe trips down the slide. When the guests left at the end of the day, however, you found yourself hoping for some good advice for the little girl and her mom when they visited the office for state-of-the-art pediatric dental care.
Finding the right pediatric dentist is essential for families who want to help their children begin a life of healthy dental habits. From finding state-of-the-art pediatric dental care for a playground emergency to making twice a year visits for cleanings and check-ups, children with parents who make quality dental care a priority will have children who become adults with healthy smiles.
State-of-the-Art Pediatric Dental Care Should Begin at an Early Age
Did you know that one out of every four children has never been to the dentist before they begin kindergarten? This frightening statistic is combined with the fact that more than a third of U.S. schools find it necessary to refer kids for treatment of dental problems. Families who do not take their children to early age state-of-the-art pediatric dental care
risk the teeth, gums, and smiles of these children. To put this statistic into perspective, consider this: tooth decay is five times more common than asthma; it occurs four times more often than early-childhood obesity; it also strikes a 20 times more often than diabetes. The bottom line is if you are not making sure that your children, even the youngest, get the dental care they need, you may be setting them up for an adulthood of tooth decay, gum problems, and, possibly, an unattractive smile.
Dentists recommend that parents start brushing their children’s teeth as soon as possible. In fact, a parent who takes the time to brush a young child’s teeth after every meal is setting the tone for future dental care. Most dental experts go on to recommend that twice a year dentist appointments begin by the age of two. Early appointments are pretty simple, but they help children get comfortable with the process. From sitting in the unfamiliar chair to letting someone else look at their teeth, these appointments are a great first step. Once children are old enough to have x-rays taken, of course, the pediatric dentist can begin planning the dental care. From checking on the development of permanent teeth to checking jaw and mouth alignment, these first x-rays are important.
As children reach the age of attending school, dental health is also an important indicator of future habits and health. For instance, The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools says that dental problems can have a significant effect on the school day for American children. Students lose more than 51 million school hours every year, in fact, because of dental problems and related illnesses. Making the commitment to teach children the importance of proper healthcare is a commitment to the health of your children.