Does My Child Really Need to Go to the Dentist Every 6 Months?
How often do you go to the dentist? It’s generally considered best practice to go for a dentist visit every six months. This applies to both children and adults. You might think that children don’t need to visit the dentist as frequently because they haven’t grown their permanent teeth in completely yet, but that would be a mistake.
Keeping Tabs on Teeth
Part of the purpose of visiting the dentist every six months is for them to be able to keep tabs on their teeth. This helps them track the health of the teeth over time. They’ll look for things like tooth discoloration, tooth decay, and the movement of the teeth over time. Regular six month visits to the dentist allow them to see what changes occur and the overall way things are trending.
Correcting Problems as They Arise
It’s unfortunately common for problems like tooth decay to crop up in children. Whether because of genetics, overexposure to sweets, or oral hygiene that just isn’t quite up to snuff, nearly half of the children in the U.S. have at least one cavity. Unless you’re able to remineralize the tooth enamel before the damage goes too far, it’s not a problem that will resolve itself. Tooth decay requires the attention of a dentist to correct, and sooner will always be better than later. Regular dental visits every six months make it easier to catch and correct these problems before they get worse.
Developing Trust and Familiarity
How do you feel about visiting the dentist yourself? Have you ever felt any unease or discomfort about the idea? Chances are that if you have, your child has too. If your child is able to develop a trusting relationship with the dentist, they are far more likely to feel comfortable about dental visits. The more familiar they are with a dentist they can trust, the happier they are likely to be during visits. Regular dental visits make it a lot easier for that sort of relationship to develop.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that your children don’t really need to see the dentist as frequently just because they don’t have their adult teeth yet. It’s still really important to take them to the dentist every six months. Remember, your child’s dentist is your ally when it comes to making sure your child’s teeth are healthy and strong.
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