Why Do Toddlers Need To See The Dentist?

Getting a toddler to sit still in the dentist's chair is not always easy. Some toddlers find the dentist scary, and others are just wiggly and a little impatient. Since getting your toddler through a dental appointment is not always easy, you may be tempted to just skip this care. But that is not a wise idea. Toddlers really do need to see the dentist for the reasons discussed below.

Dental cleanings help prevent tooth decay.

A primary component of your toddler's dental visit will be the cleaning. The dental hygienist will remove tartar from the teeth, which will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Preventing tooth decay is really important in toddlers. Even though their baby teeth will eventually fall out, your toddler needs these teeth in the meantime. They need them to chew and to speak properly. Decay in the baby teeth is painful and will interfere with your child's ability to eat and speak comfortably. You want to do all you can to prevent tooth decay in your toddler's teeth, and taking them for regular dental visits is a big part of that.

Dental visits ensure that problems are caught early.

If your child does have any problems with their teeth, such as cavities, it is important that these issues are diagnosed early on. Cavities don't always cause any obvious symptoms until they are quite large and serious, so just because your child seems comfortable does not mean they don't have a cavity. If you take your toddler to the dentist regularly, cavities will be discovered when they are small and can be filled more easily. Any developmental issues, like an overbite or underbite, will also be noticed early when more can be done to manage them.

Dental visits are important for parent education.

At a toddler dental visit, the dentist or hygienist will typically spend some time educating you, the parent, on caring for your child's teeth. They may give you some advice for doing a better job of cleaning your toddler's teeth. They may also give you toothpaste recommendations, snack recommendations, and other advice to help you make wise choices for your toddler's dental health.

As wiggly and silly as they can be, toddlers really should see the dentist on a regular basis. Pediatric dental specialists are used to dealing with wiggly toddlers and can generally do so in ways that are kind, reassuring, and helpful in the long run. 

Share