When to take your child to the dentist for the first time?

Know when to look for a pediatric dentist and what is the ideal frequency of appointments in childhood

If regular consultations with the pediatrician are guaranteed to be on the family agenda from birth, the child’s trip to the dentist often ends up taking some time. To get an idea, a survey conducted in 2021 by the Oral Health Barometer for the Order of Dentists (OMD) showed that 73.4% of children under 6 have never consulted with a professional in the sector. What many don’t know, though, is what the ideal is take your child to the pediatric dentist as soon as the first teeth appearso that a follow-up is performed from the beginning of the dentition.

“It is important to evaluate the sequence in which teeth are born, whether they come in naturally or need help, as well as the relationship between the jaw bones and the tongue. We also advise parents on fluoride, toothbrush types, diet, diseases common and best ways to encourage brushing,” she explains Luisa de Mello Mattosspecialist in pediatric dentistry.

According to the pro, there cases in which the child is already born with the so-called “neonatal tooth”, which requires follow-up by the dentist since the birth of the child. “We need to evaluate whether it will be necessary to remove the tooth or whether it is possible to keep it,” says Luisa.

Ideal frequency of visits of the child to the dentist

From zero to three years, as the changes are more rapid, the pediatric dentist indicates the frequency of appointments is four in four months. After three years onwards, it is recommended to take the baby every six monthsconsidering good oral health condition, only for prevention.

Can I take my child to the family dentist?

According to Luisa, the best thing is that the children are looked after by a pediatric dentist, who is the specialist in the care of pediatric patients. “In our specialty, we study child psychology and learn what the best management should look like to have safe and more comfortable appointments for the child and the family. The child can even accompany the parents to the family dentist, to understand that it is part of the routine of health, but the treatment must be done by the pediatric dentist”, underlines the professional.

Of the family routine, Luisa remembers how much Parental example can make a difference in their children’s relationship with oral hygiene. “Children are like sponges. If we show them the importance of preventive counseling from an early age, everything tends to be lighter and happier. And even with consulting children under the age of three who are often agitated and crying ( which is normal, because that’s how they communicate at the beginning), the greater frequency and normalization of consultations by the family makes everything better and better”, he underlines. that’s how the little one will understand that it is a thing for his own good, making a lifelong habit of it.

Prevention as key

The family can choose to speak to a dentist during pregnancy, thinking about the lifestyle they want to offer the child. “More often than not, parents seek out the pediatric dentist when they want to prevent or treat tooth decay or malocclusion [ quando não há encaixe correto entre as arcadas dentárias] from the habit of sucking the pacifier or the finger,” he warns Vivian Farfel, pediatric dentist and orthodontist at the University of São Paulo. The question that arises, however, is this some problems can be prevented not only with proper dental hygiene and the conscientious use of fluoride, but by changing some daily attitudes.

“Our modern lifestyle includes a diet rich in packaged and processed foods, refined sugars and highly adulterated staple foods,” underlines the expert, warning the cavities as a result of this poor diet🇧🇷 Furthermore, remember that, living in these days excessively closed at home, allergic processes deriving also from eating habits and other lifestyles, especially in large cities, lead to nasal congestion and, consequently, to oral breathing, which it can also cause malocclusion.

Finally, Vivian warns of the importance of a global overview of children’s health, in a joint effort with a pediatrician, otolaryngologist, speech therapist and/or other specialists that the patient may need, aiming for full development. “Pediatric dentists need to be trained to adopt the posture of mouth and face doctors, whose responsibilities go far beyond the alignment and health of the teeth. This means evaluating all aspects of good health: tongue posture, breathing, nutrition, body posture, sleep and lifestyle“, ends.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.